Local authorities throughout the UK are issuing urgent safety alerts regarding viral squishy dumpling toys, which have become immensely popular due to unboxing content on TikTok and YouTube. These plush toys, often sold in 'blind boxes', have seen a surge in counterfeit versions that fail to meet health and safety regulations.
Safety Concerns Raised by Trading Standards
Trading Standards officials have expressed alarm after discovering toys with strong chemical odors, missing safety information, and inadequate labeling. Consumers are urged to exercise extreme caution with toys that emit strong smells, leak, appear unusually cheap, or lack proper safety marks such as CE or UKCA labels.
The squishy dumpling toy craze has taken the UK market by storm, combining the excitement of surprise unboxing with the appeal of soft, squeezable fidget items. Manufactured by RMS, these toys have sparked a collecting frenzy among children and enthusiasts. However, their rising popularity has brought significant safety concerns.
Counterfeit Products and Chemical Hazards
Certain knock-offs have been found to contain dangerous chemicals and do not meet UK safety standards. Trading Standards representatives are calling on shoppers to buy from reputable retailers and verify that products comply with safety requirements. The demand surge has led to an influx of counterfeit products, which often lack proper safety testing and may contain harmful substances.
Some counterfeit toys have been found to contain chemicals exceeding safe limits, while others have inadequate construction that could lead to choking hazards. Additionally, a concerning practice involves microwaving these toys to enhance their squishy properties, which can cause materials to break down and potentially release toxic fumes or cause burns.
Council Seizures and Warnings Across the UK
Glasgow City Council seized nearly 6,000 counterfeit squishy toys from a warehouse, warning they are highly dangerous and can emit harmful chemical fumes. Aberdeen City Council also issued a formal trading standards alert, urging parents and retailers to check for basic legal safety markings.
Swansea Council in Wales was among the first to sound the alarm after parental complaints revealed products with a strong, petrol-like chemical odor. Subsequent testing detected hazardous volatile organic compounds (VOCs). In England, Warrington Borough Council, Trafford Council, Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, and Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council have all shared warnings with parents.
Advice for Parents and Buyers
Parents and gift-buyers are advised to purchase only from reputable retailers and check for proper safety certifications before buying. The toys should display clear CE or UKCA markings, have proper labeling in English, and come from established manufacturers with good safety records.
Main Safety Hazards Identified by Councils
- Toxic chemicals: Fakes have tested positive for hazardous substances like formaldehyde, solvents, phthalates, and VOCs (including styrene and xylene), which can cause nausea, headaches, skin irritation, and breathing issues.
- Choking and flammability: Many fakes split open easily, leaking unknown liquid or gels, or contain small parts that fail UK flammability and physical safety thresholds.
- The microwave trend: Councils strongly warn against heating these toys, as the internal gel can superheat and burst onto a child's face.
- Missing markings: Dangerous versions completely lack CE or UKCA safety marks, age guidance, or a valid UK importer address.
