U.S. safety officials warn of hazardous squishy toys

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a warning regarding hazardous squishy toys, particularly counterfeit versions that do not meet federal safety standards. The agency has already intercepted over 350,000 violative units at U.S. ports.

Safety concerns include the risk of toys exploding or mutating if microwaved—a dangerous trend seen in viral videos—and the potential for internal blockages or choking if the gel or water bead fillings are swallowed. Investigations by Consumer Reports found that some toys contained acidic gels with pH levels similar to lemon juice, which can cause chemical burns and skin irritation in children.

Counterfeit products may also contain prohibited chemicals such as phthalates. While many incidents involve name-brand products purchased at major retailers, officials advise parents to avoid giving gel-filled toys to toddlers and to frequently check for tears or holes in the material.