As part of its market surveillance activities, the Consumer Rights Protection Centre (CRPC) has collected several samples of the popular children’s toy “Squishy Dumpling” for laboratory testing, inspected the toy’s labelling in physical stores, and reviewed its availability on online marketplaces.
To date, the CRPC has received multiple consumer complaints regarding the specific chemical odour emitted by the “Squishy Dumpling” toy, raising concerns about its safety. Similar concerns have been reported in other countries, including the United Kingdom, where certain versions of the toy have been withdrawn from the market due to significantly excessive concentrations of the chemical substance benzene.
Based on the information received, the CRPC has also collected samples of toys from several different manufacturers for laboratory testing in order to verify the concentration of benzene as well as 18 other chemical substances. The test results received so far have not identified any non-compliance in any of the samples examined.
The CRPC notes that a chemical odour may simply be a characteristic of a particular product and cannot automatically be regarded as evidence that a toy fails to meet safety requirements. If a toy is found to be non-compliant in another country, this does not automatically mean that toys available on the Latvian market are also non-compliant, particularly where the manufacturer and product identification differ, even if the toys appear visually similar or identical.
The CRPC has also carried out on-site inspections in retail stores to assess compliance with toy labelling requirements. No labelling non-compliance has been identified so far; however, inspections are still ongoing.
During inspections of online marketplaces, conducted to verify that consumers are provided with all required information about the “Squishy Dumpling” toy, the CRPC identified deficiencies in the presentation of mandatory information on all websites inspected and is currently communicating with distributors regarding these issues. Several online retailers have already removed the toy from sale.
Further information on the results of the market surveillance activities will be provided once all laboratory reports have been received, the necessary on-site inspections have been completed, and the reviews of online marketplaces have been concluded.
Consumers are encouraged to purchase toys only from trusted retailers and online stores and to ensure that the toy includes the manufacturer's name (or registered trade mark) and address, as well as a product identification element, such as a model number, barcode, or similar identifier. The CRPC reminds consumers never to purchase toys that do not bear the CE conformity marking (on the toy itself or on its packaging).
If you encounter toys that may be unsafe, non-compliant, or have caused injuries, please report them by emailing pasts@ptac.gov.lv.