A brand of popular squishy toys have been recalled due to ‘a serious chemical risk’.
Squeezy Dumplings, sold by Cardiff-based wholesaler Samsons Cash and Carry Ltd, were found to have an ‘excess concentration of benzene’ on the outer layer following testing.
The legal limit for benzene in the UK is 5mg per kilogram, while these squishy toys were found to contain 20mg per kilogram.
Benzene is a colourless liquid with a sweet scent, used in a variety of products, including dyes and plastics.
However, if you come into contact with excessive levels of benzene it can have serious health impacts.
According to the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS): “The product presents a serious chemical risk because the outer layer contains an excess concentration of benzene (20mg/kg).
“If inhaled, benzene can cause irritation to the eyes, nose and throat.
“Exposure to large amounts may also cause a burning feeling throughout the digestive tract and skin irritation.”
The chemical is also classified as a carcinogenic substance, with UKHSA stating: “Benzene is known to cause acute myeloid leukaemia/acute non-lymphocytic leukaemia and potentially other cancers in humans.”
Squeezy Dumplings are sold in a plastic pot designed to look like a steamer basket with a single squishy dumpling inside.
The product has now been recalled by Samsons Cash and Carry Ltd.
Owners are advised to stop using the toy and to keep it out of reach of kids.
The OPSS has told customers to contact Samsons Cash and Carry Ltd directly to get more information.
The recall follows an ‘urgent warning’ about squishy dumpling toys
Originally created by RMS International, the popularity of the squishable dumplings has led to multiple dupes flooding the market.
But some of these dupes have raised concerns in regard to their safety.
Earlier this month, Swansea Council issued a warning to parents, urging them to throw away dumpling squishies which had a strong chemical smell, described as being similar to petrol.
The council also revealed that it had tested various counterfeit products seized, revealing that numerous toys contained volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as Ethyl Benzene, Styrene, m-Xylene, p-Xylene and o-Xylene.
“When a toy gives off a strong chemical smell and is missing basic safety information, that should ring alarm bells for parents and retailers alike,” Rhys Harries, Swansea Council’s Trading Standards Officer, warned.
“Our main concern is the risk posed to children if unsafe items end up in homes, school bags or play areas.”
Meanwhile, Glasgow City Council Trading Standards officers seized almost 6,000 toys from a warehouse earlier this month due to concerns about them containing harmful chemicals.
“The items which have been recovered pose serious dangers to anyone using or playing with them,” Laura Doherty, Glasgow city councillor and city convener for Neighbourhood Services and Assets, said.
How to tell if your dumpling toys are genuine
Parents have been urged to check the packaging of their children’s dumpling toys, with legitimate RMS dumpling toys containing the following information:
- A UKCA/CE marking, which indicates the toy has been safety assessed
- Age restrictions
- Safety warnings and instructions
- Manufacturer details
If the packaging does not contain the above information, the toy is likely to be counterfeit and not safe.
