Home / Crime and Justice / Glasgow Seizes 6,000 Fake Squishy Toys
Glasgow Seizes 6,000 Fake Squishy Toys
8 Jun
Summary
- Nearly 6,000 hazardous counterfeit squishy toys seized.
- Fakes contain harmful substances causing skin irritation.
- Seized toys posed a £419,000 health and safety risk.
In a significant operation, trading standards officers in Glasgow confiscated nearly 6,000 counterfeit squishy toys from a warehouse on Commerce Street. These popular collectibles, known for their "blind packed" dim sum-like appearance and fueled by social media trends, have seen a surge in fake versions that fail crucial health and safety checks.
The recovered items pose serious dangers, potentially containing harmful substances such as phthalates, solvents, and formaldehyde. These can lead to skin irritation, nausea, headaches, breathing difficulties, and allergic reactions. Furthermore, the counterfeit toys may present a choking hazard for young children, often lacking appropriate age warnings and flammability standards.
Glasgow City Council highlighted that these unsafe toys represent a considerable health and safety risk, estimated by the government's Office for Product Safety & Standards to be worth approximately £71 per toy. The total value of risks averted by the seizure is estimated at £419,000. Officials advise consumers to purchase from trusted retailers and to meticulously check packaging for essential safety information like UKCA/CE markings and manufacturer details.
