An urgent national recall has been issued for fake Squeezy Dumpling toys due to a severe chemical risk. The Office for Product Safety and Standards discovered that an imitation version of the popular squishy toy contained an excess concentration of the toxic chemical benzene, which is known to cause cancer.
The toys, which have become a viral craze on TikTok, are sold in a plastic basket tray and contain a colorful, squidgy dumpling. Inhaling benzene can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat. Higher levels of exposure may lead to skin irritation and a burning sensation in the digestive tract. Parents have been advised to keep the toys away from children and to discontinue their use.
The imitation products reportedly do not meet UK regulations. Samsons Cash and Carry Ltd, a distributor based in Cardiff, has recalled the product. A lack of batch numbers or product identifiers on the toys or their packaging makes it difficult to determine if specific items are affected.
Rhys Harries, Swansea Council's Trading Standards Officer, stated that while the toys are attractive to children due to online trends, they are not necessarily safe. He noted that a strong chemical smell and the absence of basic safety information should alert parents and retailers to potential dangers. The primary concern is the risk posed to children if unsafe items enter homes or play areas.