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BfR warns of health risks associated with squishy toys
The German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) has issued warnings regarding potential health risks linked to squishy toys, citing reports from the European Safety Gate system. While not all products are dangerous, certain items have been found to contain carcinogenic substances or high microbial loads.
Specific risks vary by product type. Some squishies, such as dumpling-shaped toys, contain fillings like liquids, gels, sand, or water beads. If the outer shell tears, these materials can leak or be swallowed, posing a choking hazard for young children.
Authorities also warn against a social media trend known as the “Squishy Microwave Challenge,” noting that these toys should never be heated or placed in a microwave. To ensure safety, the BfR recommends that consumers check for the CE mark, age recommendations, and the contact address of a responsible manufacturer or importer within the EU.
Entities
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Squishy toys filled with water beads pose a choking hazard if the shell breaks. www.kindergesundheit-info.de · www.dk-online.de · www.op-online.de
- [● 3 SOURCES] The BfR recommends checking for a CE mark and an EU-based manufacturer address when purchasing. www.kindergesundheit-info.de · www.dk-online.de · www.op-online.de
- [● 3 SOURCES] Some squishy toys have been found to contain carcinogenic substances. www.kindergesundheit-info.de · www.dk-online.de · www.op-online.de
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The “Squishy Microwave Challenge” on social media involves unsafe heating of toys. www.kindergesundheit-info.de
- [● 2 SOURCES] Certain Squishy products have shown increased microbial contamination. www.dk-online.de · www.op-online.de
- [● 3 SOURCES] Squishy toys filled with water beads pose a choking hazard if swallowed. www.kindergesundheit-info.de · www.dk-online.de · www.op-online.de
- [○ 1 SOURCE] A social media trend known as the “Squishy Microwave Challenge” involves heating the toys. www.kindergesundheit-info.de
- [● 2 SOURCES] Certain squishy products show increased microbial contamination. www.dk-online.de · www.op-online.de
- [● 3 SOURCES] The BfR recommends checking for the CE mark and an EU-based manufacturer address on packaging. www.kindergesundheit-info.de · www.dk-online.de · www.op-online.de