'Shoppers beware' - South Tyneside Council seizes over 1,500 potentially dangerous 'squishy' toys

Council bosses have issued a safety alert over potentially dangerous ‘squishy toys’ after seizing more than 1,500 counterfeit items on sale in South Tyneside.

South Tyneside Council is warning the public and businesses about the popular gel-filled ‘fidget’ toys and the surge of fakes being sold via online marketplaces and local shops.

The term ‘squishy’ refers to a type of toy which can be squashed into different shapes by hand before eventually returning to its original shape, and the toys can help with relaxation, concentration and sensory play.

However, reports to councillors in recent months said some toys on sale break the law as they often fail health and safety checks, lack required safety warnings and in some cases, pose chemical risks which can cause irritation to the eyes, nose and throat.

A recent report to the council’s licensing and regulatory committee added council officers were also concerned about a “dangerous online trend encouraging children to microwave these toys,” creating a risk that the product may burst, potentially causing burns and injuries.

In just one week, more than 1,500 counterfeit squishy toys were seized from retailers in South Tyneside, with further seizures in the north east and around the UK.

The council has advised that genuine squishy toys, including viral dumpling toys or memory-foam style fidgets, can be “identified by their high-quality material, safety labelling, and exact branding”.

Officers advised that fakes are “frequently hollow, sticky, and smell strongly of chemicals, while real ones are dense, safe, and pleasant to hold.”

Councillor Karen Pittuck, the council’s cabinet member for highways, neighbourhoods and community safety, said keeping residents safe from potentially dangerous products is an important part of the work carried out by the local authority’s Trading Standards team.

She added: “The seizure of more than 1,500 counterfeit squishy toys in just one week shows why this work matters.

“Officers acted quickly to remove potentially unsafe products from sale, advise retailers and make families aware of the risks.

“We would encourage parents and carers to buy toys from reputable retailers, check appropriate safety markings and warnings, and be wary of products that seem unusually cheap.

“Our Trading Standards officers will continue working with local businesses to help ensure products being sold in South Tyneside are safe.”

Following the seizure of more than 1,500 counterfeit squishy toys, South Tyneside Council has continued to visit retailers to provide safety advice and remove any further fake products from sale.

The Chartered Trading Standards Institute has also offered advice to anyone who is unsure of whether the squishy toy they’re buying is fake or genuine.

This includes buying from reputable retailers, avoiding unfamiliar online sellers or third-party sellers on online marketplace listings and checking for spelling mistakes or other red flags which show it’s not an official product.

The product’s labelling should be written in English, have a product identifier or model number, a UK identifiable person and address listed, a UKCA or CE mark showing it has been safety checked, and appropriate safety warnings over potential choking hazards or toxic ingredients.

Members of the public are also advised to “beware of prices that seem too good to be true.”