Squishy dumpling toys urgently recalled over 'serious chemical risk'
Health officials have put out an urgent recall notice for a viral children’s toy, citing a ‘serious chemical risk’ and the chance of developing cancer.
Keen collectors, those with young children, and dinky trinket fans alike are probably already acquainted with the concept of a blind box, a sealed package containing a coveted mystery item or toy.
Those wanting to get their hands on one should head into stores like Pop Mart and be prepared to pull a random variant from a box. And if they don’t like the one you received? Try again!
And who knows, this time, you may be lucky enough to pull a rare version.
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Of course, the blind box concept isn’t new—McDonald’s has been doing it with its Happy Meals for years. Currently, the brand is offering collectable Squishmallows sporting World Cup-inspired jerseys in each box.
Following closely on from the historic Labubu scramble of 2024 is the hunt for rare sensory toys known as Squishy Dumplings.
Described by consumer champions Which? as one of the ‘biggest children's toy trends of the year’, the palm-sized cuties, modelled in the style of a Chinese dumpling, may not actually be as adorable as first perceived.
In fact, on Thursday (25 June), a product recall was put out by the Office for Product Safety and Standards.
The notice announced that health officials are recalling a knock-off version of the toy that is understood to have an outer layer containing an excess concentration of benzene, a natural component of crude oil.
Due to the benzene, the fake Squishy Dumplings pose a serious chemical risk to children and adults.
Health experts warned it could increase the risk of developing cancer, most notably acute myeloid leukaemia (AML).
According to the notice, benzene can also irritate the eyes, nose, and throat if inhaled.
“Exposure to large amounts may also cause a burning feeling throughout the digestive tract and skin irritation.”
The recalled item, sold specifically at Samsons Cash and Carry Ltd in Cardiff, was found to contain 20mg per kilogram, with the UK limit being 5mg per kilogram.
Due to the product not meeting the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011, parents are advised to stop using the item and keep it out of reach of children.
Girl sustains burns from microwaved toy
In May, the BBC reported that a schoolgirl had sustained burns on her face after copying a social media trend at a friend’s house by placing the squishy toy in the microwave.
The 10-year-old’s mother, Charlotte, claimed she’d put the unbranded toy in the kitchen appliance to make it ‘more elastic’.
“When she came in, I could see straight away her face was bright red, it looked like she'd been whacked in the face and I could see the scald mark and there was skin missing and blisters,” the mother recounted.
"Because of the silicone outer layer, they couldn't feel how hot it was inside, so her friend squeezed it, which is when it burst onto both of them.”
In light of the devastating incident, Rhiain Reynolds, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents’ policy officer told the outlet that the ‘misuse of household appliances can have devastating consequences’.
"RoSPA urges parents and carers to talk to children about the dangers of copying online trends and to reinforce that microwaves are not toys.”
Squishy Dumpling advice for parents
Those hoping to still get their hands on a coveted Squishy Dumpling have been advised to seek out the real deal from reputable outlets.
“My daughter is obsessed with squishy dumplings. She has a drawer full of them, watches YouTube unboxings and trades them at school. The official versions we’ve bought feel better made and last longer,” said Chirag Khetiya, Which? social media content producer.
“Some cheaper dupes have popped quickly and have a strong chemical smell. I now have to be the unpopular parent in shops when she’s spotted ones that just don’t look safe, so be careful where you buy them from.”
Parents who want to pick up ‘real’ Squishy Dumplings can head to sites like Jukupop or The Entertainer.
They are also stocked in supermarkets, including Tesco and ASDA.
Customers are also urged to look for a UKCA/CE marking, age restrictions, safety warnings and instructions and manufacturer details.
If these do not feature on the packaging, then the squishie is likely to be counterfeit and not safe.
Ella Scott