Microwave Squishy Toy Hazard

Recent investigations by Trading Standards across the United Kingdom have uncovered a serious safety risk involving popular foam‑filled "squishy" toys. These items, often marketed as stress relievers, contain a gel that can reach dangerously high temperatures when placed in a microwave. The hot gel may burst, causing burns to users, especially children who are the primary market for these toys.

The Gloucestershire County Council investigation alone resulted in the seizure of 1,968 toys over three months. Many of the confiscated items were counterfeit copies of well‑known brands such as Squishy Dumpling and NeeDoh, lacking required safety information and proper labelling. Councillor Paul Hodgkinson highlighted that the toys can appear harmless, yet without meeting safety standards they pose a real risk of injury.

Similar concerns have emerged in Northumberland, where officials identified a related batch of squishy toys containing elevated levels of benzene, a known carcinogen. The presence of this chemical adds a hidden health threat beyond the immediate risk of burns. Products were found without the mandatory CE or UKCA markings, making it difficult for consumers to verify compliance with UK safety regulations.

Trading Standards officers have issued clear guidance for the public. Adults should never heat squishy toys in a microwave, regardless of how cool the exterior may feel. Consumers are advised to purchase toys only from reputable retailers and to verify that packaging displays the name and address of a UK‑based importer or EU manufacturer, along with the required safety marks. Items lacking this information should be considered unsafe and discarded.

Local authorities continue to conduct store visits, demanding that retailers remove any non‑compliant toys from their shelves. The public is encouraged to report any suspicious products to the relevant Trading Standards office. By staying informed and exercising caution, shoppers can protect themselves and their families from both immediate burns and longer‑term chemical exposure.