Businesses have been alerted to potentially dangerous versions of trending squishy toys after more than 1,000 were seized from shops in Aberdeen in a month.
Aberdeen City Council’s trading standards team have been visiting premises around the city as complaints have been made by parents about some of the toys having a strong chemical smell and the contents of others bursting or leaking during play.
A total of 1,076 products have been seized in total including one that contained a false fingernail.
Toys seized by trading standards have been examined and identified as either counterfeit or not have the required safety labelling.
While these toys are heavily promoted online through unboxing videos and viral trends and may appear harmless, children can be exposed to potential risks if the products have not been properly tested and labelled as complying with toy and product safety regulations. Children have suffered burn injuries in other parts of Scotland by putting the toys in a microwave which then explode when heated.
Businesses are asked to be alert to the concerns surrounding fast-moving trend products, make the required checks to ensure all stock meets legal safety requirements, and to contact Trading Standards for further advice if required.
Trading Standards Manager Graeme Paton said: “It is disappointing we are still finding these potentially dangerous toys in shops and we would remind consumers and parents to be extra vigilant.
“With the school summer holidays starting, youngsters will be looking for toys to entertain them and counterfeit toys can seem like a bargain but these are potentially dangerous.”
Across the country, products submitted for testing by Trading Standards have reported results raising concerns with microbiological contamination and higher levels of substances recognised as hazardous.”
