Several popular squishy toys have been recalled due to a risk of serious injury after being found to contain water beads, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced. If ingested, these beads can expand within a child's body, leading to choking, intestinal blockage, severe discomfort, and a potential risk of death.
The toys affected by the recalls include Squeezy Dumplings from GIHNJSI and Rainbow Mystery Squishy Buns from OKK Trading. Both products contain water beads that violate mandatory safety standards, according to the CPSC.
Approximately 8,000 Squeezy Dumplings, sold on Amazon in May and June, are part of the recall. These toys are described as gelatinous squeezables with glitter-like contents and cartoon faces, packaged in a container resembling a bamboo steamer. The package is labeled "SQUEEZY DUMPLINGS" and "SQUEEZE ME."
Additionally, over 7,200 Rainbow Mystery Squishy Bun Toys, sold at various U.S. retailers from May through August, are also subject to recall. These toys share a similar design with glitter and faces, also in steamer-like containers, but are labeled "Rainbow MYSTERY" and "SUGAR EDITION."
While no injuries have been reported specifically related to the water bead hazard in these recalled toys, the CPSC advises consumers to immediately stop use. The agency recommends writing "RECALLED" in permanent marker on both the toy and its packaging and then disposing of them. Customers who purchased Squeezy Dumplings can email pics of the defective toys to [email protected] for a full refund. Those with Rainbow Mystery Squishy Bun Toys should email [email protected] for their refund.
The CPSC also issued a warning for Squishy Bun Toys from Ivyapingdianpu, which also contain water beads. Despite receiving a Notice of Violation, the company has not yet agreed to a recall or offered reimbursement for these approximately 100 toys, which were sold on Amazon and other vendors in June.
These recalls and warnings follow a series of incidents where squishy toys have caused burns. Some of these incidents involved toys being microwaved as part of social media challenges, while others overheated after being left in direct sunlight or hot cars. In one instance over the summer, a teenager was hospitalized after a squishy toy left in a hot car expanded and burst, showering her legs with molten silicone. The vehicle's interior had acted like a solar oven, heating the toy to a dangerous temperature.