Squeezy Dumplings toys pulled after hazardous benzene detected

Health authorities in Mauritius issued a warning after the discovery that "Squeezy Dumplings" soft toys contain an excessive level of benzene—20 mg/kg—in their outer coating. The chemical poses serious health risks to children, including eye, nose and throat irritation, skin and digestive tract burns, and, as a known carcinogen, a potential cancer risk. The toys lack batch numbers or traceability codes, making identification difficult. Parents are advised to stop using the toys immediately and to report any sales.

The United Kingdom’s Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) also announced the market withdrawal of the same toys, which are manufactured in China and were distributed by Samsons Cash and Carry Ltd. The UK regulator highlighted that the benzene concentration far exceeds the European limit of 5 mg/kg. The OPSS urged owners to discard the products and keep them away from children. Both agencies stress the urgency of removing these items from households to prevent exposure.