Forget Labubus or NeeDohs – the latest viral toy to take over social media is the ‘squishy dumpling’.
This sensory toy has become one of the most in–demand collectibles of the year, with buyers flocking to find the rare, sparkly versions.
While the original toy is made by RMS, because of its popularity, dupes are now being produced by a wide range of manufacturers.
However, tests show that many of these toys contain hazardous chemicals.
In response to complaints about a strong chemical smell, Swansea Council carried out tests on several squishy dumpling toys – with concerning results.
The tests uncovered the presence of several volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including Ethyl Benzene, Styrene, m-Xylene, p-Xylene and o-Xylene.
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.
‘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.’
The original toy is called the Mystery Squishy Dumpling, and is made by UK toy company, RMS.
As you might have guessed from the name, the toy is a soft dumpling, which is sold in a sealed pack.
Until you open the packaging, you won’t know which colour you have, with the glittery versions the most sought after.
Like other viral toys, Mystery Squishy Dumplings are becoming more and more difficult to track down, with retailers selling out within hours of restocking.
As a result, fake versions are beginning to appear – many of which don’t meet UK regulations.
Swansea Council has received several complaints from parents about strong petrol-like smells coming from the toys.
In response, its officers tested a variety of products, revealing the presence of VOCs.
It explained: ‘These substances are associated with the petrol-like smell that has been reported.
‘The levels identified in test certificates have raised significant safety concerns, and some of the chemicals detected are recognised as hazardous.’
In addition, many of the products failed to meet basic toy safety requirements because key labelling information was missing.
Some lacked clear instructions explaining what to do if the product leaks or is punctured, while others did not have a CE or UKCA mark to indicate they had been safety assessed.
What’s more, some toys did not contain the name and address of a UK-based responsible person, such as an importer or manufacturer.
Mr Harries added: ‘Social media platforms such as TikTok can accelerate the spread of toy crazes almost overnight, but they can also help point Trading Standards towards the latest fake, unsafe or non-compliant products entering the market.
‘We would urge parents to be cautious, to buy from reputable retailers, and to check for the correct safety markings and supplier details.
‘We would also ask businesses to be alert to fast-moving trends and make sure the products they stock meet legal safety requirements.’
The news comes shortly after experts from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents issued a warning over a new TikTok trend in which children place squishy toys in the microwave to make them more malleable.
Several children have been left with severe burns after their squishy exploded, covering them in scalding goop.
Horrifying images show a nine–year–old with extensive burns to his face, while a seven–year–old was left in a coma with third–degree burns after being showered in the face and chest with red–hot goo.
Recently, a British mum revealed her 10–year–old daughter had ‘traumatising burns’ after copying the trend.
Rhiain Reynolds, from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, warned ‘misuse of household appliances can have devastating consequences’ and that parents should reinforce that ‘microwaves are not toys’.
