Fake Toys Harm Kids: UK Recalls Popular Dolls

A significant product recall has been issued in the UK for counterfeit Labubu toys, a popular collectable originally created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung and licensed by POP MART. The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has identified a serious health risk associated with these imitation toys.

The specific toy recalled is described as a green, soft-filled Labubu approximately 17cm high with a spinning tail. It presents a severe choking hazard because its keyring attachment and right foot can easily detach, creating small parts that fit entirely within a small parts cylinder. These pose a significant danger to children under 36 months old.

This recall highlights a broader issue of counterfeit goods. By October 2025, authorities had confiscated 259,000 counterfeit toys at Britain's borders, the vast majority being fake Labubu dolls. These products often bypass crucial safety regulations, containing prohibited chemicals and faulty parts that endanger children.

The Intellectual Property Office (IPO) urges consumers to be vigilant. They advise purchasing from trusted retailers or official websites and to be wary of prices that seem too good to be true. Their 'Fake Toys, Real Harm' campaign aims to educate parents about the hidden dangers of counterfeit products, emphasizing that child safety must be the top priority.