Burn warning over microwave squishy toy trend

A council is warning parents about a dangerous social media trend where children are microwaving unsafe "squishy" toys.

Gloucestershire County Council said the gel inside the toys can become extremely hot and may burst, causing burns or other injuries.

Gloucestershire Trading Standards has seized 1,968 toys in the past three months, including copies of popular Squishy Dumpling and NeeDoh products which failed to meet basic safety standards.

Councillor Paul Hodgkinson said: "These products can look harmless but if they haven't been made to the right standards they can pose a real risk to children."

The NeeDoh products are also suspected to be counterfeit, Gloucestershire Trading Standards said.

A spokesperson said: "Officers are also highlighting a dangerous online trend where children are encouraged to microwave these toys.

"While the outside may feel cool, the gel inside can become extremely hot and may burst, causing burns or other injuries.

"These toys should never be heated."

Items that appear poorly made, lack proper labelling or have a strong chemical smell may pose a risk and should be avoided, officers said.

People are being asked to ignore viral trends that encourage unsafe use and to buy toys from reputable retailers.

Hodgkinson, Gloucestershire County Council's cabinet member for Trading Standards, said: "Parents and carers have every right to expect that the toys they buy are safe.

"We are asking shoppers to be cautious and to check toys carefully before buying.

"At the same time, retailers must play their part by ensuring everything they sell complies with UK safety laws."

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