Not every dumpling squishy is dangerous, but due to high demand and popularity, there has been an increase in the number of counterfeit versions on sale – and these fake toys often fail health and safety checks.
Councils across the UK say people should be extra careful if a toy smells very strong, leaks, has no clear labelling, seems unusually cheap to buy, or looks like it’s not been made properly.
Swansea Council says Trading Standards officers – who check that the things shops sell are safe – started looking into the toys after complaints about a strong smell, described as being like “petrol”.
When officers checked some products, they found missing safety information and said tests identified chemicals that can release into the air that can cause eye, skin, or lung irritation.
Rhys Harries, Swansea Council’s Trading Standards Officer, said: “When a toy gives off a strong chemical smell and is missing basic safety information, that should ring alarm bells… Our main concern is the risk posed to children if unsafe items end up in homes, school bags or play areas.”
