More than 100 potentially unsafe squishy toys have been removed from sale in Staffordshire as part of ongoing work to protect shoppers.
The soft, squeezable sensory toys, commonly known as ‘squidgys’, have become increasingly popular with children and young people through social media. Often designed to look like food items such as doughnuts, dumplings, sweets and other novelty products, some toys have raised concerns over whether they meet UK product safety requirements.
Trading Standards officers at Staffordshire County Council discovered non-compliant products at retailers in the Stafford area and took action to seize and remove them from sale.
The products can pose potential safety risks, particularly to children. Concerns include skin irritation, allergic reactions, nausea and headaches linked to harmful substances. The toys can also be a choking hazard where products split or leak, as well as causing burns or injuries where toys are heated contrary to safety instructions.
Anthony Screen, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Resilience at Staffordshire County Council, said:
"Squishy toys remain hugely popular with children and young people, but the safety of these products is essential.
“We would always encourage parents and carers to purchase toys only from reputable retailers, check for appropriate UKCA or CE markings, and be cautious of unusually cheap products.
"Buying from legitimate businesses not only helps protect children from potentially unsafe products, but it also helps ensure that money is not being channelled into illegal trading networks. The sale of counterfeit and non-compliant goods can be linked to wider criminal activity, undermining honest local businesses and putting consumers at risk."
Officers are also working with retailers, importers and suppliers of their legal responsibility to ensure products placed on the UK market comply with relevant safety legislation.
The work of Trading Standards supports the wider delivery of the county council’s Community Safety Strategy by helping create safer and stronger communities.
Parents can get further advice on the safety of squidgy toys on the Child Accident Prevention Trust’s website.
And, anyone concerned about unsafe products can report them online on the Trading Standards Report It webpage or by calling 01785 330356.
