According to the news released on the CPSC official website on August 05, 2026, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued a new consumer safety alert about fake and counterfeit squishy toys that may pose serious risks to children. The agency also renewed its warning about serious burn hazards associated with a viral social media trend encouraging children and teens to microwave squishy toys. 

Squishy toys — including popular animal, food, and character-shaped squeeze toys — are widely sold through online marketplaces, social media, discount stores, and other retailers. 

CPSC is aware of fake and counterfeit versions that do not comply with federal safety requirements for children’s toys, including requirements addressing water beads, small parts, lead, phthalates, and other hazardous substances. 

Videos shared online may depict the toys expanding, changing texture, or bursting when heated. These demonstrations are dangerous and should never be attempted or imitated. 

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. Water beads can expand after being swallowed and cause intestinal blockages, choking, aspiration, or injuries when inserted into the nose or ear. Other unknown filling materials may present chemical exposure, inhalation, or ingestion hazards. 

Fake and counterfeit squishy toys may also:  

• Break or tear during foreseeable use, releasing small parts or hazardous filling material; 
• Contain excessive levels of lead, prohibited phthalates, or other hazardous chemicals; 
• Fail to comply with federal requirements governing water beads; 
• Lack required warnings, age grading, tracking information, or manufacturer identification; and 
• Be sold without the testing and certification required for children’s products. 

Meanwhile, the United Kingdom and EU respectively recalled a children’s squishy toy in June and July 2026. Per the information from the recalled website, the product, known as Squeezy Dumplings, was recalled due to an excessive concentration of benzene which does not comply with the requirements of the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011 (UK TSR, S.I. 2011 No. 1881)) or EU Toy Safety Directive. 

In addition, both UK REACH and EU REACH Annex XVII Entry 5 for Benzene sets a strict legal limit of 5 mg/kg (0.0005% by weight) in the free state for toys and parts of toys. 

As the laboratory accessed by CPSC, Intertek delivers end-to-end compliance testing solutions for squishy toys and related products, enabling manufacturers to minimize recall exposure and secure smooth entry into various U.S. sales channels. 

Contact Windows

Hotline：0755-2602 0287
Susie.su@intertek.com

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