Introducing the Dark Side of 'New Jellycats': Knock-Off Toys Emit 'Toxic' Fumes, Explode, and Endanger Kids' Health!

FIRST it was Jellycats, then Labubus, and now bright gelatinous blobs with faces known as “squishy dumplings” are the latest trend causing a craze with Brit kids.

Demand is so high for the £5 toy that parents have become embroiled in shop punch-ups to get their hands on one – but now toxic counterfeit versions are exploding and landing kids in hospital with horrendous chemical burns.

Paige-Leigh Baxter’s seven-year-old daughter Aylah, had a skin reaction after playing with a dumpling toy Credit: Paige-leigh Baxter The Sun understands that the Chartered Trading Standards Institute is aware of issues with the products Credit: Paige-leigh Baxter

Some say their kids have been rushed to A&E after going into anaphylactic shock, breaking out in rashes or throwing up after playing with versions of the fidget toys.

Others reported their kids feeling sick and having problems breathing.

While reputable brands adhere to the UK’s strict safety laws, various counterfeits are springing up with little to no information on the packaging.

The Sun understands that the Chartered Trading Standards Institute is aware of issues with the products.

One of the problems is that they burst too easily, with some of the contents causing skin irritation.

In some cases, the content is harmful or toxic, carrying the potential of injury if the liquid squirts into a child’s eye.

There is also the risk of small parts inside, including water beads and similar decorative parts, which could be ingested by youngsters.

It is understood that some of the toys are at risk of breaking food imitating products laws.

This legislation targets products that could easily be mistaken for food or drink by vulnerable kids.

Non-compliant versions of the viral toys are being seized at the UK border over concerns – but there are various makes many of which look similar, which means it’s hard for parents to discern what is safe and what isn’t.

The Sun spoke to parents who warned their kids ended up in hospital after playing with toys bought online and at corner shops.

They said there was “little to no safety information” and no brand name on the packaging – so The Sun was unable to approach the manufacturer for comment.

BetterRetailer reports that one toy even exploded at Heathrow Airport with Trading Standards officers said to be “inundated” with counterfeit squishies.

The trend began in the US, with the viral squishies stocked in , , and .

TikTokkers began filming “unboxings”, mystery dumplings and hunting for ultra-rare glitter versions last year, racking up millions of views.

The craze has now spread to the UK, with corner shops posting about the “new viral product” arriving on their shelves in recent weeks.

Shop staff described how the demand was “overwhelming”, and the craze has customers in a “choke hold”.

“I have never seen so many people so feral over something,” one said.

Aylah’s face became ‘red, swollen, and irritated around her eyes and cheeks’ Credit: Paige-leigh Baxter Her mum warned other parents about the viral toys Credit: Paige-leigh Baxter Swansea Council posted photos of seized products with ‘potentially hazardous chemicals’ Credit: Facebook The council said the toys had a ‘strong petrol-like smell’ Credit: Facebook

Workers described shoppers “screaming and crying”, calling every half an hour begging to know when they will be back in stock.

Two dads even got into a fist fight over the cult dumplings, staff said.

But parents hoping to appease their kids have also been buying versions of the collectable toy online – only to rush them to the hospital with rashes or chemical burns.

One mum said her daughter went into anaphylactic shock and was rushed to the hospital after playing with a dumpling toy she bought from her local shop.

She told The Sun: “When opened, the smell is potent. After my daughter opened it and played with it, we had to call an ambulance; her body went into anaphylactic shock.

“The paramedics told me to bin the toy right away. I’ve never felt so scared.”

Another mum told The Sun how her seven-year-old daughter was playing with her toy – also bought from a UK shop – when it “popped” and reeked of a “petrol-type smell”.

She says: “I cleaned her up and put her to bed, not thinking anything of it.

“She woke up the next morning covered in burns. I took her to the hospital to be checked, and I was told it was chemical burns.

“It took around two weeks for her to recover, and she had to have a week off school as she couldn’t sit down without being in pain.

“The hospital said it was the chemicals inside of it, and said we don’t know what’s actually being used to make them.”

Another mum, Paige-Lee Baxter, 25, says her seven-year-old daughter also had an allergic reaction after playing with a version of the dumpling toy.

Aylah’s face became “red, swollen, and irritated around her eyes and cheeks”, her mum says.

“We later noticed the packaging had very little safety information and no proper certification.

“Many kids love these sensory toys, but we don’t always know what chemicals or residues may be on them.

“This was just from her squishing it and then touching her face. Kids are obsessed with sensory toys and the latest trends.”

These are stocked on Amazon but posted with the brand as “generic”. The Sun has gone to the company for comment.

One concerned dad posted a shocking video after he noticed the strong smell coming off his daughter’s toys. He used a device that monitors gas levels, and the results were alarming.

He says: “To be quite honest, I did not think it would be this bad. We’re at a serious level. VOCs are in the sixes range. These are coming out of , and they’re obviously not getting tested.

“Kids are putting these up to their faces in their mouths, they’re busting them, the fillings coming out and going all over the place.”

It comes in the wake of Jellycats and Labubus gripping the UK Credit: AFP Ram raiders stole £20,000 worth of Jellycats from a toy shop last year Credit: SWNS

Some Trading Standards officers at local councils have taken to warning parents after receiving complaints about the toys.

Swansea Council wrote on Facebook: “Swansea Council’s Trading Standards has received complaints about these products, including a strong petrol-like chemical smell and missing safety information.

“Some were found without safety instructions, CE or UKCA safety marking, and UK supplier or manufacturer details. Tests also identified potentially hazardous chemicals.

“Please buy only from trusted retailers and always check for proper safety labels before purchasing.”

A Government spokesperson said: “Children’s safety is our top priority, and any toy sold in the UK must meet our strict laws.

“Retailers must take care when sourcing toys, and people should contact their local Trading Standards with any safety concerns.”

It comes in the wake of Jellycats and Labubus gripping the UK.

Obsession over the toys even triggered a toy-snatching wave – and and left right and centre.