Risk of burns and choking: More than 100 'danger' toys seized in raid on shop in Staffordshire

More than 100 potentially dangerous soft toys were seized during a raid on a shop in Stafford.

Trading standards officers seized the fake ‘squishy’ toys over concerns about whether they met UK safety requirements.

They warned that the counterfeit posed a threat to children’s safety, with concerns that harmful substances could cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, nausea and headaches.

The toys could also be a choking hazard where products split or leak, as well as causing burns or injuries where toys are heated contrary to safety instructions.

The squeezable sensory toys have become increasingly popular with children and young people through social media, said officers.

Often designed to look like food items such as doughnuts, dumplings, sweets and other novelty products, some toys have raised concerns over whether they meet UK product laws.

Councillor Anthony Screen, cabinet member for community safety, said: "Squishy toys remain hugely popular with children and young people, but the safety of these products is essential.

“We would always encourage parents and carers to purchase toys only from reputable retailers, check for appropriate UKCA or CE markings, and be cautious of unusually cheap products.

"Buying from legitimate businesses not only helps protect children from potentially unsafe products, but it also helps ensure that money is not being channelled into illegal trading networks. The sale of counterfeit and non-compliant goods can be linked to wider criminal activity, undermining honest local businesses and putting consumers at risk."

Officers are also working with retailers, importers and suppliers of their legal responsibility to ensure products placed on the UK market comply with relevant safety legislation.

Parents can get further advice on the safety of squidgy toys on the Child Accident Prevention Trust’s website.

Anyone concerned about unsafe products can report them online on the trading standards Report It webpage or by telephoning 01785 330356.