Trading Standards officers in Staffordshire have seized more than 100 potentially unsafe squishy toys from retailers in the Stafford area, removing them from sale as part of ongoing efforts to protect shoppers.
The soft, squeezable sensory toys, commonly known as 'squidgys', have surged in popularity among children and young people, largely driven by social media trends. Often designed to resemble food items such as doughnuts, dumplings, sweets, and other novelty products, some of these toys have raised concerns over whether they meet UK product safety requirements.
Health and Safety Risks Identified
The products can pose potential safety risks, particularly to children. Concerns include skin irritation, allergic reactions, nausea, and headaches linked to harmful substances. Additionally, the toys can be a choking hazard where products split or leak, as well as causing burns or injuries where toys are heated contrary to safety instructions.
Staffordshire County Council's Trading Standards team discovered the non-compliant products during routine checks and took immediate action to seize and remove them from sale.
Warning from Council Official
Anthony Screen, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Resilience at Staffordshire County Council, emphasized the importance of product safety. "Squishy toys remain hugely popular with children and young people, but the safety of these products is essential," he said.
"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."
Link to Wider Criminal Activity
The sale of counterfeit and non-compliant goods can be linked to wider criminal activity, undermining honest local businesses and putting consumers at risk. Officers are also working with retailers, importers, and suppliers to remind them 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 squidgy 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.
