Hundreds of unsafe gel-filled toys seized in Milton Keynes
City council urges caution due to dangerous chemicals
Last updated 2nd Jul 2026
Milton Keynes City Council has seized 711 unsafe versions of gel-filled toys during inspections across the city.
Concerns have been raised about these toys, including counterfeit 'squishy dumplings', as they present risks due to harmful chemical contents.
Several serious safety issues were identified by the Trading Standards team, such as strong chemical odours and missing essential markings like UKCA or CE labels.
These toys were found at multiple locations, prompting the city council to advise caution when purchasing or selling similar items.
The council warns of a dangerous online trend urging children to microwave these toys, which may cause injuries due to gel expansion and extreme heat.
Products that lack proper safety information could pose a risk to children, including some unlabelled 'squeezy dumplings,' which have been recalled due to excessive levels of benzene, a carcinogenic chemical.
Residents are encouraged to make purchases from reputable sources, check for regulatory markings, ensure manufacturer details are present and avoid items with strong smells.
Cabinet Member for Regulatory Services, Cllr Sam Crooks, emphasised the importance of vigilance:
“We're committed to protecting residents of all ages from unsafe products. I’d like to thank our Trading Standards colleagues for the important work they do to identify and remove these items. These findings show why it is vital to check what you are buying, stay alert to potential risks and report any concerns.”
Anyone who has bought potentially unsafe products or has concerns about items being sold should report them via the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133.