The warning follows the seizure of hundreds of squishy toys from a shop in Bromley High Street.
The growing popularity of these squishy toys, manufactured by genuine brands like NeeDoh, has led to an increase in cheap, counterfeit, or potentially unsafe versions entering the market locally.
While genuine branded products are subject to strict safety testing, counterfeit or imitation toys may not meet these standards and could pose risks to users, particularly children. Non-compliant or counterfeit products are likely to:
- Have not undergone proper safety testing
- Contain inadequate or missing labelling
- Be made from low quality or unsafe materials
These issues increase the risk of harm, and residents are advised to be vigilant and ensure that toys purchased are genuine and safe. Customers and residents can protect their children and young people by taking the following precautions:
- Buy only from reputable retailers, particularly when shopping online
- Check product labelling carefully, including:
- UKCA or CE safety markings
- Details of a UK manufacturer or importer
- Clear warnings and instructions
- Be cautious if a product appears unusually cheap, or looks, feels, or smells of poor quality
If in doubt, avoid purchasing the item.
Seizures of these toys have occurred elsewhere in London. BBC News reported that Lancashire Trading Standards also removed 200 of these toys from shelves following safety concerns.
Report, advice, and guidance
Contact Citizens Advice for help and advice on 0808 223 1133 or on the Citizens Advice website.
Report concerns about illegal squishy toys to trading.standards@bromley.gov.uk.
Guidance for retailers and wholesalers on toy safety is available on the Bromley Council website.
Visit the council website for business advice on Trading Standards laws.
Find out more about how to spot a fake 'NeeDoh' squishy toy on the BigJigsToys website.
For general information about scams in various languages visit the Friends Against Scams website.
Bromley Trading Standards
To keep up with the latest scam alerts and warnings from Bromley Trading Standards sign up on www.bromley.gov.uk/TradingStandardsAlertSignUpForm.
Bromley Trading Standards also runs a fair-trader directory to help you find a safe, reliable trader that you can trust, visit www.bromley.gov.uk/tradingstandardschecked to learn more.