Squishy dumpling toys that look "cute and harmless" could be toxic for children. Cornwall Council's Trading Standards team has issued a warning over potentially dangerous squishy dumpling toys.
Shaped like bao buns, the toys have become hugely popular with children and young people. However, with their proliferation, many of them are now imported from dubious sources and have been found to contain potentially toxic chemicals which could be harmful to children.
Cornwall Council's Trading Standards team is now urging parents and carers to check for the UKCA or CE safety markings when buying the toys, and to throw away any squishies that have a strong chemical smell.
Concerns about squishy dumplings first came to light after Trading Standards officers in Swansea identified products being sold with a strong chemical or solvent smell. Testing revealed the outer layer of the toys contained excessive levels of benzene, a toxic chemical which can cause drowsiness, dizziness, headaches and irritation to the eyes, nose and throat.
The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) subsequently issued a recall for products sold by Samsons Cash & Carry Ltd. In Cornwall, hundreds of squishy dumplings have been removed from sale after Trading Standards officers raised safety concerns. Samples that were sent away for testing did not comply with UK standards because they did not include vital safety information on the label.
Fraser Glennie, team manager at Cornwall Trading Standards, said: "These products have become extremely popular, particularly among children and young people, but some squishy dumplings on the market contain harmful chemicals. Our officers are working proactively with retailers across Cornwall to identify potentially unsafe products and remove them from sale where necessary. We urge consumers to be cautious when purchasing these toys and to avoid any products that have a strong chemical smell."
Councillor Thalia Marringon, cabinet member with responsibility for community safety and public protection at Cornwall Council, said: "Children's safety has to be our top priority and I urge parents and carers to be cautious when purchasing these toys. If you have concerns about a toy, especially if it does have a strong smell, please do not allow your children to play with it. We will continue to work with retailers to ensure that products sold here in Cornwall are safe."
Anyone concerned about the safety of a product should stop using it immediately and report it to Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.
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Squishy Dumpling Toys Pose Toxic Chemical Risk