An urgent recall has been issued over squishy toys posing a ‘severe chemical risk’.
The Squeezy Dumplings are sold in a plastic tray, designed to resemble a bamboo steamer basket, and contain soft, gel-filled toys shaped like purses or food items.
They have become incredibly popular with children over the past year and have gone viral on TikTok, largely due to their collectable nature and the fact that kids don’t know which Mystery Dumpling they’re going to get.
Unboxing videos have garnered thousands of views and likes.
However, the Office for Product Safety and Standards has discovered that fake versions have hit the market, containing an excessive concentration of the toxic chemical benzene.
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Used in many major industrial manufacturing processes, benzene is described as a colourless, highly flammable liquid with a sweet smell. It evaporates quickly when exposed to air.
If swallowed, it can cause sickness or a burning sensation and can irritate the skin and eyes.
In the long term, benzene has previously been shown to produce a range of diseases. These can include a decrease in white blood cells (which help the body to fight infections), leukaemia, and damage to DNA.
Therefore, as the counterfeit versions do not comply with UK regulations, the products have been recalled by Cardiff-based distributor Samsons Cash and Carry Ltd.
Rhys Harries, Swansea Council’s Trading Standards Officer, said: ‘These products are clearly attractive to children because they are being driven by online trends, but that does not mean they are safe.
What is benzene and why is it harmful?
As explained by the government, benzene is an important chemical. End products from processes requiring benzene include plastics, foams, dyes, detergents, solvents, and insecticides.
Before its toxic nature was realised, benzene was also used in cosmetics, such as aftershaves, and cleaning products, as well as in the process of decaffeinating coffee. This is no longer permitted.
Exposure to benzene is most likely to occur through inhalation.
Short-term exposure can cause:
- Irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat
- Coughing and a hoarse voice
- Breathing difficulties
- Swelling of airways and build-up of fluid in the lungs (if exposed to a large amount)
- Burning feeling throughout the digestive tract (if ingested)
- Nausea
- Vomiting
In the aftermath of exposure by inhalation or ingestion, benzene may cause:
- Neurological effects
- Problems with the heart and lungs
- Coma
- Convulsions
‘When a toy gives off a strong chemical smell and is missing basic safety information, that should ring alarm bells for parents and retailers alike.
‘Our main concern is the risk posed to children if unsafe items end up in homes, school bags or play areas.’
Owners of the toys are advised to stop using them and keep them out of reach of children, particularly given their design and how youngsters often like to put them in their mouths, thus increasing exposure to chemicals if they pop or burst.
There are a few simple checks you can perform to ensure that a toy is safe and legitimate. You should not rely on the appearance of the toy itself alone.
A genuine toy should display a UKCA or CE mark, the manufacturer’s name and address, a clear age recommendation, safety warnings, and a model, batch or serial number.
Parents and carers should also be extra cautious when toys are made to look like food and avoid cheaper, unbranded alternatives.
If ever in doubt, do not let a child play with it.
The news comes after several UK airports warned families that squishy toys have been causing problems at security over the gel contained within them.
Toys filled with gel, like the squishy Dumplings, can appear unusual on security scanners, triggering inspections and causing delays.
Therefore, parents have been advised to either place such items in hold luggage or leave them at home entirely to avoid airport security scrutiny.
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