Squishy stress toys trigger airport security delays in the UK

The Isle of Man Office of Fair Trading has seized more than 550 squishy toys that it says pose chemical, choking and labeling hazards. Officials warned parents that liquid‑filled toys such as NeeDohs can also set off airport scanners, causing longer queues.

One traveller, Emma Barnes, described how security at Birmingham Airport pulled aside her twins' NeeDoh squishies, swabbed them and delayed her flight to Barcelona. Similar reports have emerged from East Midlands and other UK airports, prompting the OFT to urge parents to check packaging and consider placing such toys in checked baggage.

The warning highlights both consumer‑product safety concerns and practical travel disruptions for families this summer.