Consumers are being warned about the potential dangers of experimenting with popular squishy sensory toys, following reports of hazardous chemicals in some unofficial products and injuries from viral social media trends.
Earlier in 2026, Trading Standards officers in Swansea investigated dumpling toys after concerns about unusual smells. Testing revealed some products contained hazardous chemicals and did not meet UK toy safety requirements. Other dumpling toys have also been found to contain excessive levels of benzene, a chemical that can be harmful to health.
Social media videos are reportedly encouraging children to cut, stretch, heat, or freeze squishy toys. Heating squishy toys in microwaves or ovens has led to severe burns in children in Scotland, according to a recent BBC report. Cutting open squishy toys can expose fillings, with some imitation products containing water beads, which can expand if swallowed and cause blockages requiring surgery.
Official brands like Needoh state their toys are non-toxic and meet safety standards. Needoh toys typically have a thermoplastic rubber (TPR) outer layer and are filled with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). RMS, the manufacturer of original Squishy Dumplings, states its toys are made from non-toxic TPR, but does not specify the filling.