Toxics watchdog urges parents to avoid unauthorized squishy toys for safety

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A Toxics watchdog has issued a reminder to parents and consumers on Tuesday to refrain from purchasing unauthorized squishy toys to reduce the risk of toxic exposure among children.

BAN Toxics took note of the public health advisories posted by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) against the purchase and use of unauthorized Toy and Childcare Article (TCCA) products, ‘Squishy Delicious’ toys.

"The FDA advisory follows an earlier consumer alert by BAN Toxics over food-like squeezy dumpling toys that have gained popularity online. Resembling steamed buns, these products continue to be sold in retail stores and through online shopping platforms," the group said.

The toys are available in different sizes and colors, some contain glitter, and cost from P80 to P200 in retail stories and between P60 to P150 through online shopping sites.

It can be recalled that the FDA issued its advisories in September on the purchase and use of the unauthorized squishy toys Squishy Delicious Blue and Squishy Delicious Green.

The purchase and use of the toys are unauthorized because these have not been issued the required Certificate of Product Notification (CPN).

Potential hazards

"Since the toys have not undergone the FDA notification process, the agency cannot assure their quality and safety," the group said.

"Potential hazards may arise from ingredients that are not permitted in toy and childcare article products. The use of substandard and possibly adulterated products may pose health risks, including endocrine disruption and reproductive or developmental effects, as well as injuries, choking, or suffocation due to small or broken parts," they added.

There were reported product recalls in the UK and US, for squishy dumpling toys "due to excessive concentrations of benzene, posing a serious chemical risk to children’s health and safety."

According to the UK Office for Product Safety and Standards, “The product presents a serious chemical risk because the outer layer contains an excessive concentration of benzene (20 mg/kg). If inhaled, benzene can cause irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat. Exposure to large amounts may also cause a burning sensation in the digestive tract and skin irritation.”

Health effects

Ban Toxics cited a statement issued by the World Health Organization (WHO) that “Human exposure to benzene has been associated with a range of acute and long-term adverse health effects and diseases, including cancer and haematological effects. Exposure can occur occupationally, in the general environment, and in the home as a result of the widespread use of benzene-containing petroleum products.”

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) issued Administrative Order No. 2026-29 on the Chemical Control Order for Benzene, which stated that this chemical should not be used in toys and other children’s products.

“We laud the FDA and the DENR for their regulatory actions against unauthorized toys that may contain chemicals that pose risks to a child’s health and development,” said Thony Dizon, Advocacy and Campaign Officer of BAN Toxics.

“It is high time for government agencies to enforce the law and immediately recall and remove the products from the market.”

Ban Toxics also cited Republic Act No. 10620 or the Toy and Game Safety Labeling Act of 2013, which provides that all toys and games, whether locally manufactured or imported, distributed, donated, or sold in the Philippines, must comply with the applicable safety labeling and manufacturer’s marking requirements under the Philippine National Standards (PNS) for toy safety. — BAP, GMA News