Serious warning issued after child rushed to hospital for playing with squishy toy sold with syringe
A warning has been issued after children's 'squishy' toys were supplied with a medical syringe after a child had to go to hospital.
The toys are becoming more popular on social media, and are sometimes marketed as 'fidget toys' which are used to help children focus or calm down.
One child has also had to go to A&E after injuring their finger using a sharp needle that came with a toy sold as a 'pimple popper' toy, the Telegraph reports.
The toys come with the needles so that users can inject air bubbles into them which can then be popped, and are available to purchase online.
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Kate Dearden MP is the minister for consumer protection, and said that there is 'no excuse' for products like that to be sold online.
“I know parents will be deeply concerned by them too, which is why my department is actively investigating this issue," she told the Telegraph.
Katrina Phillips OBE is the chief executive of the Child Accident Prevention Trust, she said that 'online marketplaces should have the same duty of care as the shops on our high streets.'
As part of an investigation into the toys, reporters at the Telegraph ordered several examples online, finding that they were marketed towards children and were supplied with capped syringes.
These were available on online retail sites such as Amazon via third party seller, and a spokesperson for Amazon said that the company is 'shocked' that the products are available and removed them from sale.
It added that it has also issuing recalls for the products and will be undertaking a 'targeted review' of listings.
Kerry Nicol from the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI), said: “When a product that is very much aimed at children comes with a needle and syringe, something has gone seriously wrong.
“Children are being exposed to unnecessary risks because dangerous products can too easily enter the UK market through third-party sellers.”
It's not the first time that squishy toys have been subject to safety concerns, with one brand also being recalled due to a 'serious chemical risk'.
Tests on Squeezy Dumplings, which were sold by Samsons Cash and Carry Ltd, a wholesaler based in Cardiff, found that they had an 'excess concentration of benzene’ on the outer layer.
Benzene is a clear liquid that smells sweet and is used in plastics and dyes, among other products.
In the UK the legal limit for benzene is 5mg for kilo, and the squishy toys had 20mg per kilo.
Excesssive exposure to benzene can cause serious health problems, with the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) saying: “The product presents a serious chemical risk because the outer layer contains an excess concentration of benzene (20mg/kg).
“If inhaled, benzene can cause irritation to the eyes, nose and throat.
“Exposure to large amounts may also cause a burning feeling throughout the digestive tract and skin irritation.”
The product was subsequently recalled.
Concerns were also raised about squishy toys during the heatwave over the summer, with worries about the toys causing burns, as well as after the toys are microwaved.
Kit Roberts