More than 1,000 dangerous ‘squishy’ toys containing a cancer-causing chemical have been seized from retailers in Hull. Benzene, discovered inside the toys, can cause immediate irritation, as well as long-term effects.
Parents and carers have been urged to immediately dispose of any ‘Squeezy Dumplings’ brand toys, which comprise a plastic basket, with a single dumpling-themed toy inside.
The dangerous toys were seized and destroyed by Hull City Council’s Trading Standards Team, following a product recall alert notice issued by the national Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS).
Local testing confirmed the Squeezy Dumpling-branded squishies contain high levels of benzene, a chemical which, in addition to being carcinogenic, may cause:
- Irritation to the eyes, nose and throat.
- Skin irritation.
- A burning sensation throughout the digestive tract if ingested.
Further inspections and enforcement visits will take place in the current weeks, and businesses, market traders and online sellers are urged to immediately check their stock and ensure any affected products are urgently withdrawn from sale.
Cllr Ted Dolman, whose portfolio includes Trading Standards, said: “Our Trading Standards team would urge parents and carers to check their children’s toys and immediately dispose of any of these Squishy Dumplings toys.
“If played with, they could pose both an immediate and long-term risk to children. Our team acted swifty to track down affected products, remove them from sale, and destroy them. They will continue proactive inspections, market surveillance activity and enforcement operations to identify and remove unsafe products from the marketplace and protect children from harm.
“Squishies are a popular type of toy, marketed to children as being cute and collectible. There are many varieties which are perfectly safe for children, but these Squishy Dumplings are not. These products have been found at a number of premises across the city, so it’s really important to ensure any toy consumers purchase for their children bear a UK or EU name and address and the mandatory CE or UKCA marking. This is the manufacturer’s declaration that the toy has passed stringent toy safety legislation.
“However, it is important to note that some unsafe or non-compliant toys may still display this information, so parents should remain vigilant and only buy from reputable retailers. If there is any concern a product in your home could be affected, don’t take a chance and dispose of it immediately”.
Anyone concerned that they may have purchased one of these products, or anyone aware of a business or individual supplying them, is encouraged to contact Hull Trading Standards on: 01482 300 300 or email:HullTradingStandards@hullcc.gov.uk