Authorities issue fresh safety warning on Labubu dolls over one common mistake
If you're not the proud owner of one already, you've likely already spotted hordes of so-called fashionistas attaching Labubu dolls to their belt buckles and handbags.
According to crime officials, however, fans of these demonic little dolls need to wise up when it comes to one 'serious risk' of buying one second-hand after a health warning was issued last week.
If you have no idea what a Labubu is, worry not. We're here to fill you in on all the need-to-knows.
Basically, they're collectable viral toys created by Hong-Kong born artist Kasing Lung. They come in a variety of different colours and collections, but all exhibit the same sharp teeth and fuzzy hair.
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For a reason we can't fathom, Labubus are all the rage right now, with the resurgence of coveting tacky trinkets and keepsakes having become something of social media trend.
Users from around the world are taking to TikTok and Instagram to show off their vast Labubu collections, for which they've often coughed up thousands of pounds.
By the sounds of things, however, the main appeal for most people is the ‘blind box’ element to these tiny trolls.
This means that anyone who purchases their Labubu from the Chinese-owned toy store Pop Mart don't know what they're getting until they get home and remove the packaging.
As is the case with many highly sought-after products, however, their boom in popularity has seen a staggering rise in the production of counterfeit Labubus.
And whilst you can probably get away with donning a fake fury friend on your handbag, with these Lafufus (as they're known) appearing almost identical to the originals, health issues believe customers should steer clear at all costs so as to avoid one major mistake.
Emphasising a potential risk, an official from Rochdale Borough Council wrote on Facebook this week: "Toy Safety Alert. Parents, please be vigilant when purchasing the popular Labubu dolls, which have recently gone viral.
"Our trading standards team has recently found counterfeit versions being sold across the borough without proper safety labels - a clear sign they haven’t been through the required safety checks."
The statement continued: "While these fake toys might be cheaper, they can pose serious risks to children, including choking hazards and exposure to toxic chemicals."
According to STV, four premises in Aberdeen, Scotland were found to contain loose parts of counterfeit Labubus.
Also discussing this threat to life, trading standards manager Graeme Paton told press: "We want to alert consumers and particularly parents to be extra vigilant.
"These counterfeit toys can seem like a bargain compared with trying to source the genuine toy, especially when they are a much-sought-after item, but they are potentially dangerous."
He continued: "Counterfeit toys can potentially pose significant dangers to young children such as chemical exposure and choking hazards. These products routinely lack proper safety testing and we encourage anyone concerned about the safety of toys they've purchased to get in touch with us via Consumer Advice Scotland."
According to Indy100, there are several ways to distinguish between a real and a fake Labubu, kicking off with the packaging.
Apparently, the original boxes should be matte, and don a series of muted colours. Counterfeit boxes, meanwhile, might come in slightly brighter packaging.
Once you've broken your trinket out of its packaging, it should also include a label which features a QR code, which will take you straight to the official Pop Mart website.
Fakes reportedly won't include such a barcode.
All real Labubus also have nine sharp teeth poking out of their mouths, as well as a stamp on its right foot, and a pale facial complexion.
Rhianna Benson