Hundreds of fake toys seized in Blackpool amid safety warnings
Trading Standards team confiscates hazardous counterfeit toys
In a bid to protect shoppers from potentially hazardous items, Blackpool Council's Trading Standards team have recently confiscated 372 counterfeit toys from three shops across the area.
These counterfeit toys, imitating popular products such as NeeDohs, have posed safety threats due to harmful solvents or inadequate safety warnings on packaging.
The government has issued urgent safety warnings against these "squishy dumplings," which have gained popularity through social media.
Laboratory tests have discovered toxic substances in toy compositions, including phthalates, solvents, formaldehyde, and benzene, which can lead to skin irritation, nausea, headaches, breathing issues, or fire risks.
Council's Efforts
Cllr Dave Flanagan, cabinet member for public protection, housing and empty properties, emphasised the importance of safety in children's toys.
He highlighted the dangers of these counterfeit items and the efforts to remove them from circulation through spot checks and enforcement actions.
"We use spot checks and enforcement action to take these hazardous items out of circulation and protect residents and shoppers, and also support the responsible traders who are selling safe and legal items." - he said.
Shopper Safety Tips
Shoppers are now urged to be vigilant against counterfeit products by:
Checking packaging carefully
Purchasing from trusted retailers
Being cautious of products sold at excessively low prices
Being suspicious of toys with strong or unusual smells
Under UK law, toys should display a CE or UKCA quality mark and include the supplier's name and address in the UK or EU on the packaging.
Packaging must also contain usage warnings, age restrictions, and instructions, all printed in English without spelling errors.