In recent months, there has been a surge in popularity of similar stress-relief toys but with a distinct dumpling shape. The originals have been joined by a wide range of counterfeit products that seemingly mimic the same aesthetics and could be harmful to health.
A few weeks ago, the UK's trading standards authority issued a safety alert urging citizens who have these toys at home to check for the UKCA or CE safety marks, which allow their sale in the area, as some manufacturers were not meeting the required safety standards. In fact, several products had been withdrawn from the market for this reason, as reported by the BBC.
The safety department stated that these products could contain high levels of benzene, a toxic substance that can cause dizziness, drowsiness, or headaches, among other symptoms.
Argentina has gone a step further: they have banned the import, manufacture, or sale of these dumpling-shaped toys. The affected toys include squeezy dumplings, Dumpling Squishy, Viral Dumpling Squishy with glitter and orbs, and dumpling squishy with a steamer box. The reason is the same: they believe that some brands may contain a high level of benzene harmful to health.
The United States has also warned its citizens that some counterfeit soft toys of this type may pose a risk to children.