Hidden Dangers Resurface: Latest Recall of ‘Squishy Dumpling Toy’ Sparks Health Fears

Hidden Dangers Resurface: Latest Recall of ‘Squishy Dumpling Toy’ Sparks Health Fears

Ever noticed how the latest TikTok craze can have you in a queue longer than the line for concert tickets—only for the fad to disappear faster than your paycheck? Well, meet the ‘squishy dumpling’—a colorful, squeezable toy that’s been popping up in unboxing videos everywhere. But hold onto your chopsticks, because one version of this adorable toy just got the boot. Samsons Cash and Carry Ltd in Cardiff issued a recall after officials warned that some knock-off dumplings contain alarmingly high levels of benzene—a chemical that’s no joke when it comes to health risks. So much for a harmless little squish, right? If you’re wondering whether your kid’s dumpling is the real deal or a toxic impostor, you’re not alone. Curious yet? Dive into the full story and find out how to spot a safe dumpling before someone ends up chewing on chemicals instead of snacks. LEARN MORE

A product recall has been issued for a particular version of a popular toy that’s been trending on TikTok over a warning that they contain toxic chemicals.

There’s always going to be a craze around particular toys if they start trending on social media, that’s how you get a queue a mile long outside shops selling Labubu only for the demand to vanish once people move onto the next thing.

One of the popular toys at the moment is the ‘squishy dumpling’ which look like colourful versions of Chinese cuisine and come in their own plastic Dim Sum boxes, with people unboxing them on TikTok.

Samsons Cash and Carry Ltd in Cardiff have issued a recall for the ‘Squeezy Dumplings’ version after the government’s Office for Product Safety and Standards warned they pose a ‘serious’ chemical risk to people since they may contain ‘excessive levels of benzene’.

It’s imitation versions of the popular original that are being flagged as potentially harmful and being recalled for fear they’re exposing people to toxic chemicals.

The government has warned the 'Squeezy Dumpling' toy has been recalled over a risk of harmful chemicals (Office for Product Safety and Standards)

The government has warned the ‘Squeezy Dumpling’ toy has been recalled over a risk of harmful chemicals (Office for Product Safety and Standards)

“The product presents a serious chemical risk because the outer layer contains an excess concentration of benzene (20mg/kg),” the government warning about these squishy toys said.

“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.

“Improvements are also required to product labelling and marking.”

People who have bought these toys have been told to stop playing with them and to keep them well away from children, since you don’t want to be spending time around benzene as it’s carcinogenic and carries a long-term risk of cancer.

Like any popular trend there will be a dozen knock-off versions following it in the hopes of scoring your money to sell a very similar thing (your kids will notice it’s not the real kind, they always do) and it’s these which the government has warned over the risk of toxic chemicals.

The toys are made to look like Dim Sum, but counterfeit versions contain harmful chemicals (Getty Stock Photo)

The toys are made to look like Dim Sum, but counterfeit versions contain harmful chemicals (Getty Stock Photo)

Similar warnings about dupe dumplings were issued recently over the concern that they were emitting a strong chemical smell which means you should throw them away.

Some of the cheaper knock-offs were emitting a smell like petrol and Swansea Council warned parents that if their attempt to placate their children with the latest craze was emitting that pungent petrol pong you should get rid of it.

“When a toy gives off a strong chemical smell and is missing basic safety information, that should ring alarm bells for parents and retailers alike,” Rhys Harries, Swansea Council’s Trading Standards Officer, warned.

“Our main concern is the risk posed to children if unsafe items end up in homes, school bags or play areas.”

Testing of various counterfeit toys found volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as Ethyl Benzene, Styrene, m-Xylene, p-Xylene and o-Xylene.

How to tell if your dumpling toys are genuine

Parents have been urged to check the packaging of their children’s dumpling toys, with legitimate RMS dumpling toys containing the following information:

  • A UKCA/CE marking, which indicates the toy has been safety assessed
  • Age restrictions
  • Safety warnings and instructions
  • Manufacturer details

If the packaging does not contain the above information, the toy is likely to be counterfeit and not safe.

The LADbible Group have contacted Samsons Cash and Carry Ltd for comment.

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