Squishy toys recalled in US and UK over choking and toxicity risks

Authorities in the United States and the United Kingdom have issued urgent recalls for over 15,000 popular squishy-style toys due to severe safety risks. The affected products include approximately 8,000 units of ‘Squeezy Dumplings’ and more than 7,000 ‘Rainbow Mystery Squishy Buns’.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) warned that these toys contain water beads which, if swallowed, can expand in volume, leading to choking, intestinal blockage, or life-threatening emergencies. Additionally, the British Office for Product Safety and Standards identified chemical hazards in ‘Squeezy Dumplings’ distributed by Samsons Cash and Carry Ltd, noting benzene concentrations of 20 mg/kg. Benzene is a toxic and carcinogenic substance.

While the formal recalls specifically target products sold in the US and UK markets, officials note that similar toys are widely available globally through e-commerce platforms and may include unregulated imports from Asia. Parents are advised to immediately stop using these specific products.