Nassau County fire marshal warns of TikTok microwaving toy trend after two children burned

Nassau County Fire Marshal Michael Uttaro issued a warning after a July 2 incident in Floral Park, Long Island, where a four‑year‑old and an eight‑year‑old suffered second‑ and third‑degree burns. The injuries occurred when the children microwaved a NeeDoh gel‑filled squishy toy, a TikTok challenge that causes the toy to explode and burn the hands, chest and face.

The toy’s manufacturer, Schylling, says the product is not intended to be heated and is working with platforms to remove videos showing the misuse. Similar burn cases have been reported in Illinois, Indiana, Missouri and New Mexico. Fire officials urged parents to closely supervise children in the kitchen and to monitor the online content they consume. "Please monitor kids when they’re in the kitchen," said Captain Nick Corrado of the fire marshal’s office.