Global Safety Concerns and Recalls of Squishy Toys

2026-10-08

"Squishy Toys" and related viral squishy dumpling products are currently under intense investigation and subject to safety actions by multiple consumer safety agencies globally.

The investigations focus on two main safety hazards: hazardous water beads and toxic chemical risks.

Some Recent Recalls

Country / Region	Reference Number	Product Name	Hazards
EU	SR/02438/26	Squishy fidget fun!	The toy can easily ignite if directly exposed to a flame, burning quickly and completely because it is not designed to mechanically delay the combustion process.
	SR/02211/26	Squishy Dumplings	Small parts of the dumpling can easily become detached. A small child may put them in their mouth and choke.
	SR/02209/26	Rainbow Mystery, One Set Sugar Edition
UK	2605-0199	Squishy Dumpling Bun	The product presents a microbiological risk because the liquid filling was found to contain aerobic microbes, yeast and mould exceeding the permissible expected limit. If the toy is damaged or leaks, users may be exposed to the contaminated liquid.
	2609-0019a	Salted Butter 4oz Squishy	Testing identified the presence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including xylenes and styrene, within the product.
	2609-0019b	Cheese Vent Toy Squishy
	2609-0019c	Squishy Steam Bunz Dim
	2609-0019e	Squish! Gummy Bear Toy
USA	CPSC Recall No. 26-786	Rainbow Mystery Squishy Bun Toys	The water beads inside the dumplings expand larger than permitted, posing a deadly ingestion hazard. If a water bead is ingested, it can pose ingestion, choking and intestinal obstruction hazards inside a child’s body, resulting in severe discomfort, vomiting, dehydration and a risk of death to a child.
USA	CPSC Recall No. 26-737	Rainbow Mystery Squishy Bun Toys
Taiwan	20204011803003	榴槤忘返	經 CNS 15138-1（塑膠製品中鄰苯二甲酸酯類塑化劑試驗法—第一部：氣相層析質譜法）測試，其配件材質為塑膠片，顏色：透明，塑化劑含量為 11.38％（DEHP=11.38％），不符合 CNS 4797 規定之不得超過 0.1％要求。

CPSC Safety Alert and Advice

Alert

On 5 August 2026, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) warned consumers in a News Release about the danger of such products.

According to the News Release, squishy toys — including popular animal, food, and character-shaped squeeze toys — are widely sold through online marketplaces, social media, discount stores, and other retailers.

Videos shared online may depict the toys expanding, changing texture, or bursting when heated.

Some squishy toys contain water beads or other gels, liquids, powders, or sand. If the outer covering tears or bursts, children may be exposed to the contents.

Advice: How to Spot a Fake and Keep Children Safe

Know the seller: Purchase toys from reputable retailers and verified sellers with clear contact and return information.
Beware of bargains: Prices substantially below those charged by established retailers may signal a counterfeit or substandard product.
Check the packaging: Avoid products with misspelt words, poor-quality printing, missing manufacturer or importer information, or no age grading or safety warnings.
Inspect the toy regularly: Stop using any toy that is torn, punctured, leaking, sticky, unusually soft, discoloured, or beginning to deteriorate.
Keep damaged toys away from children: Do not allow children to touch, swallow, inhale, or play with material released from a toy.
Keep toys away from heat: Never microwave or intentionally heat squishy toys. Do not leave them in hot cars, under prolonged sunlight, near heaters, or on other hot surfaces.
Use caution during cleanup: Avoid direct skin contact with material released from a heated or burst toy.
Follow age restrictions: Keep toys containing small parts or ingestible materials away from young children.

What to Do If a Burn Occurs

According to CPSC: Immediately place the affected skin under cool running water for at least 20 minutes. Gently wash the area with mild soap to remove any remaining material. Do not use ice. After cooling and cleaning the injury, cover the burned skin with a nonstick sterile dressing. Seek medical attention for a severe burn, a burn involving a young child, or signs of infection.

Reference

https://www.cpsc.gov/Newsroom/News-Releases/2026/Consumer-Safety-Alert-CPSC-Warns-Consumers-About-Fake-and-Counterfeit-Squishy-Toys-Reiterates-Warning-About-Serious-Burn-Hazards