More than 100 counterfeit squishy toys have been seized from shops in Staffordshire amid fears they could harm children, according to Staffordshire County Council.
The popular toys, which have surged in popularity following social media videos, can reportedly cause choking incidents and burns. They often come in novelty shapes such as doughnuts or dumplings.
Safety Risks and Seizure
Trading Standards officers at Staffordshire County Council discovered non-compliant products at retailers in the Stafford area and took action to seize and remove them from sale over fears they do not meet UK product safety requirements.
The products can pose potential safety risks including skin irritation, allergic reactions, nausea, and headaches linked to harmful substances. They can also be a choking hazard where products split or leak, as well as causing burns or injuries where toys are heated contrary to safety instructions.
Council Warning to Parents
Anthony Screen, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Resilience at Staffordshire County Council, said: "Squishy toys remain hugely popular with children and young people, but the safety of these products is essential.
"We would always encourage parents and carers to purchase toys only from reputable retailers, check for appropriate UKCA or CE markings, and be cautious of unusually cheap products.
"Buying from legitimate businesses not only helps protect children from potentially unsafe products, but it also helps ensure that money is not being channelled into illegal trading networks."
Wider Criminal Links and Next Steps
The sale of counterfeit and non-compliant goods can be linked to wider criminal activity, undermining honest local businesses and putting consumers at risk.
A spokesperson for the council added: "Officers are also working with retailers, importers, and suppliers of their legal responsibility to ensure products placed on the UK market comply with relevant safety legislation.
"The work of Trading Standards supports the wider delivery of the county council’s Community Safety Strategy by helping create safer and stronger communities."
Parents can get further advice on the safety of squishy toys on the Child Accident Prevention Trust’s website. Anyone concerned about unsafe products can report them online on the Trading Standards Report It webpage or by calling 01785 330356.
