Bexley Trading Standards are warning parents and shoppers to take care when buying popular ‘Squishy’ toys after more than 450 unsafe versions were seized and removed from sale.
Squishies, which can be squeezed, stretched and rolled between the hands, have become increasingly popular, with a wide range of designs including animals, food, bao buns and cartoon characters.
While Squishies can be used for stress relief, sensory regulation and focus, Trading Standards are warning that cheap and counterfeit versions may not meet required safety standards and can pose a risk, particularly to children.
Following inspections at six different retailers in Sidcup and Bexleyheath, more than 450 unsafe Squishies were seized and removed from sale.
Councillor Rags Sandhu, Cabinet Member for Environment, Culture and Leisure, said:
We prioritise keeping our residents safe and will take robust enforcement action against those who pose a danger to the public.
Squishy toys are hugely popular, but our officers have removed more than 450 unsafe products from sale in recent weeks. These toys are widely available, and we will continue to check products being sold across the borough and take action where we find anything unsafe. Your safety is of paramount importance to us.”
A strong chemical smell, missing safety information or unclear labelling can be warning signs that a toy may not meet the required safety requirements.
Parents and carers are also being urged to stop children using a Squishy immediately if it becomes damaged, starts leaking or develops an unusual smell.
Beware of dangerous online trends
Bexley Trading Standards are also warning about a concerning online trend encouraging children to put Squishies in the microwave to make them softer and more malleable.
Squishies containing gel can become extremely hot when heated. When the toy is then squeezed, it can burst and spray hot, sticky gel onto the skin, potentially causing serious burns to the face, hands and body.
Even genuine, legally compliant Squishies are not designed to be microwaved and should only ever be used as intended.
Parents and carers are encouraged to speak to children about the risks of copying trends they see online, particularly when they involve toys being used in ways they were not designed for.
Squishy toys should never be put in a microwave. Heating them can cause the contents to become dangerously hot and the toy to burst, potentially causing serious burns.
When buying Squishies, taking a few moments to check the safety and traceability information can help keep children safe.
What to check when buying a Squishy
When buying a Squishy, shoppers should check that it has the appropriate safety and traceability information, including:
- UKCA or CE marking: The appropriate conformity marking for the product
- Manufacturer or importer details: The name and address of the manufacturer or UK importer
- Traceability information: A type, batch, serial or model number so the toy can be identified and traced
- Warnings and safety information: Clear information about any potential hazards, such as choking risks or small parts
Age restrictions: Where applicable, the appropriate age range should be clearly marked, such as ‘Not suitable for children under 36 months’.
If information is missing, unclear or contradictory, shoppers should think carefully before buying the product.
Parents and carers should also regularly check Squishies for signs of damage. If a toy is leaking, damaged or has developed an unusual smell, stop using it immediately.