WARRINGTON Trading Standards is warning parents, carers and retailers to take care when buying the latest viral “squishy” toys after inspections uncovered unsafe products on sale across the town.
Officers from Trading Standards have seized a number of gel-filled items, including popular “squishy dumpling” toys, after finding they failed to meet basic safety requirements. Further enforcement activity carried out this week has led to additional products being removed from retailers across the borough.
Key issues identified include:
• Safety concerns due to strong chemical smell
• Safety concerns where essential safety labelling is missing from packaging
Trading Standards is urging consumers to check products carefully before purchasing. Items should clearly display UKCA or CE markings, include manufacturer and UK importer details, and provide appropriate safety warnings and instructions. Products lacking this information, or those with a strong chemical smell, may pose a risk.
Parents and carers are advised to remove these toys from use immediately if they leak, split, smell strongly of chemicals, or do not include proper safety labelling.
Officers are also warning about a dangerous online trend encouraging children to microwave these toys. The gel inside can become extremely hot while the outside remains cool, creating a risk that the product may burst and release hot contents, potentially causing burns and injuries. These products should never be heated.
Retailers are reminded of their legal responsibility to ensure all goods meet UK safety requirements before being placed on sale. Failure to comply may result in products being seized and further enforcement action.
Anyone who has purchased a potentially unsafe item, or who has concerns about products being sold, is encouraged to report this via the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133.
