Trading standards warns parents over fake squishy dumpling toys
- Guernsey Trading Standards warns parents about counterfeit squishy dumpling toys following UK recall of versions containing unsafe benzene levels
- No counterfeit versions currently known to be sold in the Bailiwick, but parents may encounter them online or whilst travelling during summer holidays
- Genuine toys should have UKCA or CE marks, manufacturer details, age recommendations and safety warnings on packaging
- Warning signs of counterfeits include suspiciously low prices, petrol-like smells, missing packaging or spelling mistakes
- Trading Standards also warns against dangerous social media trend of microwaving squishy toys, which can cause hot gel to burst out and cause burns
Parents and carers are being urged to exercise caution when purchasing popular squishy dumpling toys following reports of counterfeit versions containing dangerous chemicals being sold in the UK.
The Guernsey Trading Standards Service issued the warning on 3rd July after the UK product safety regulator recalled a counterfeit version of the toy that was found to contain unsafe levels of benzene. The chemical can irritate the skin, eyes and throat, and can cause sickness or a burning sensation if swallowed.
Squishy dumpling toys are soft, gel-filled toys shaped like small purses or food items, often sold in packaging designed to resemble bamboo steamer baskets. They have become one of the most popular children's toys this year.
Whilst Trading Standards is not currently aware of any counterfeit or unsafe versions being sold in the Bailiwick, officials have warned that parents may encounter them online or whilst travelling, particularly during the summer holidays.
The service recommends buying these toys only from trusted retailers or official brand websites, and advises extra caution when purchasing from online marketplaces or social media advertisements.
Parents can perform several simple checks to help avoid purchasing counterfeit products. A genuine, safe toy should display a UKCA or CE mark, the manufacturer's name and address, and a clear age recommendation. Most squishy dumpling toys are not suitable for children under three due to small parts. The packaging should also include instructions, safety warnings, and a model, batch or serial number.
However, Trading Standards cautioned that genuine-looking markings do not guarantee a toy is safe, as counterfeiters can replicate them closely. Parents should remain alert to warning signs including prices that seem too good to be true, strong or unusual smells similar to petrol, no packaging at all, or packaging with spelling mistakes or missing information.
In addition to the counterfeit warning, Trading Standards has issued an alert about a dangerous social media trend involving putting squishy toys in the microwave to make them softer. Heating the toy can cause it to burst or melt, releasing hot gel that can cause burns.
In the event of a hot gel burn, the service advises cooling the burn under cool running water for 20 minutes. Ice, creams or ointments should not be used. Medical treatment should be sought, especially for burns on the face, hands or covering a large area.
If parents believe a toy is unsafe, they should stop their child using it immediately and contact the shop or trader where it was purchased. Traders in Guernsey are required to inform Trading Standards if they have sold an unsafe product.
Trading Standards can be contacted directly by email at [email protected] or by phone on 01481 220379. In an emergency, or if breathing or the airway is affected, the public should call 999.
Q&A
Q: How can I tell if a squishy dumpling toy is genuine?
A: Genuine toys should have a UKCA or CE mark, the manufacturer's name and address, clear age recommendations, instructions and safety warnings on packaging, and a model, batch or serial number. Be wary of suspiciously low prices, strong petrol-like smells, missing packaging or spelling mistakes.
Q: What should I do if my child has a squishy dumpling toy that I think might be unsafe?
A: Stop your child using it immediately. Contact the shop or trader where it was purchased and inform them. You can also contact Trading Standards directly at [email protected] or phone 01481 220379.
Q: What should I do if my child gets burned by hot gel from a squishy toy?
A: Cool the burn under cool running water for 20 minutes. Do not use ice, creams or ointments. Seek medical treatment, especially for burns on the face, hands or covering a large area. In an emergency or if breathing is affected, call 999.
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