Warning issued to adults who collect dumpling squishy toys after they’re urgently recalled over ‘serious’ health risk
Greg Harris
Featured Image Credit: Getty Stock Images
A mental health expert has issued a warning to any adult who collects Squishy Dumpling toys.
The toys, which are manufactured in China, became a viral sensation after hitting the market. Family influencers have been posting their reactions to unboxing the collectable items as they search for the rare shiny versions. Adults are also buying the plastic dim sum for themselves too.
But counterfeit versions soon began flooding the market and collectors of all ages have now been issued with an urgent recall.
This is because some of the fake dumplings have been found to present a ‘serious chemical risk’. The toys were found to contain an excess concentration of benzene in their outer layer. The legal limit for benzene in the UK is 5mg per kilogram, while these squishy toys were found to contain 20mg per kilogram.
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The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified benzene as carcinogenic to humans (group 1).
There are also other concerns regarding collectables. Sarah Jeffries, a mental health expert and psychologist (MSc) at Mental Health First Aid Course said a ‘number of typical psychological needs are tapped into by collected’.
“Collectible fads such as those experienced with viral collectibles, do not demonstrate adults' desire to be children; rather they show adults who seek small periods of enjoyment, identification with others, and/or a sense of community within a chaotic world,”Jeffries said.
While collecting is usually associated with enjoyment and personal interest, it can cross into unhealthy patterns when it starts to other parts of life: “There are times when collecting can become a problem for individuals due to its impact on financial stability, interpersonal relationships, and mental health.
“When an individual continues to buy collectibles regardless of debt problems; becomes distressed due to missing out on a product release; or uses collecting primarily as a means to cope with anxiety/depression related issues; then my concern increases. Excessive consumption; impulse spending; and maintaining pace with emerging online trends, may all play a role in developing negative collecting habits.
If you're buying Squishy Dumplings or similar toys, there are a few warning signs that could help you avoid a counterfeit.
Check for UK safety markings
Legitimate toys sold in the UK should display either a UKCA or CE mark on the packaging, along with clear safety information, manufacturer details and age recommendations.
Look closely at the packaging
Spelling mistakes, missing safety warnings, or a lack of manufacturer information can all be signs that a product isn't genuine.
Parents should also be wary if there are no instructions explaining what to do if the toy leaks or becomes damaged.
Be suspicious of unusually low prices
If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Experts recommend buying from trusted retailers rather than unknown online sellers or third-party marketplaces.
Trust your nose
A foul chemical smell could indicate the toy isn't safe with other red flags including products sold without packaging or toys that resemble food but don't include a 'do not eat' warning.