Children across the UK have been left with severe burns after cheap, gel-filled squishy toys exploded when microwaved, prompting urgent warnings from Trading Standards. The soft, squashy cubes, which have become a summer craze, are linked to a series of serious accidents, with victims including 10-year-old Violet Zerbst and another child from Bristol.
How the Accidents Happen
Violet Zerbst placed her toy in a microwave for 30 seconds. After removing it, she squeezed the toy, causing the heated gel to burst across her face, leaving her with severe burns and blisters. She said, “I squished it for like three seconds, and then it went into a ball and exploded on my face. The liquid was at the bottom and then it went into a sort of ball and it burst onto my face.” Her father described hearing his daughter’s screams as “quite horrific” and added, “It’s a toffee like substance, it was scolding and sticky and it stuck to her face. The skin sort of all peeled off and as it was in her mouth, she was trying to spit this stuff out.” Violet spent a week in hospital recovering and is now raising awareness about the dangers.
Similarly, 10-year-old Bella from Bristol suffered “traumatising” burns after her friend squeezed a microwaved toy. Her mother Charlotte explained, “Because of the silicone outer layer, they couldn't feel how hot it was inside, so her friend squeezed it, which is when it burst on to both of them. She was in absolute tears.”
Toxic Chemicals Found in Cheap Versions
Authorities have discovered that many cheap copycat versions of the toys contain toxic chemicals, including high levels of benzene, a known carcinogen. Trading Standards officers are visiting shops to ensure dangerous products are removed from sale. Legitimate versions exist, but the market is flooded with unsafe imitations sold online and in stores.
Safety Guidance for Parents
Trading Standards has issued guidance urging parents to check toys carefully before purchasing. All toys should display the name and address of a UK-based importer or EU-based manufacturer, and carry either the mandatory “CE” or “UKCA” marking, indicating compliance with safety legislation. Authorities continue to investigate and warn parents about viral online challenges involving these toys, which can put children at serious risk of injury.
