Thailand Warns Parents Over Unsafe Squishy Toys After Reports of Harmful Chemical Contamination

BANGKOK, Thailand – Thai authorities are urging parents to exercise caution when purchasing "Squishy" toys after concerns emerged that some counterfeit and unbranded products may contain hazardous chemicals exceeding safety standards.

The warning follows international reports indicating that certain imitation squishy toys popular among children as soft stress-relief squeezable toys have been found to contain unsafe levels of chemical substances. Officials are particularly concerned about products with no identifiable manufacturer, importer, or safety certification.

The Office of the Consumer Protection Board (OCPB) has been instructed to intensify market surveillance and work closely with the Thai Industrial Standards Institute (TISI) to inspect toys sold through both physical stores and online marketplaces. Authorities said efforts are underway to identify and remove substandard products from the market before they pose risks to children.

Two Major Risks: Chemical Exposure and Choking Hazards

Officials warned that low-quality squishy toys manufactured with inferior materials may release volatile chemical compounds that could irritate the eyes, skin, or respiratory system, particularly after prolonged exposure.

Another concern involves toys designed to resemble food items such as donuts, cupcakes, bread, or desserts. Young children may mistake these toys for edible products and place them in their mouths, creating a serious choking hazard if foam pieces break off and block the airway.

Health experts therefore recommend that parents closely supervise young children while playing with squishy toys and avoid allowing toddlers to play with them unsupervised.

Parents Advised to Check Labels and Safety Certification

Authorities recommend purchasing toys only from reputable retailers and checking that products display a Thai-language label identifying the manufacturer or importer.

Consumers are also encouraged to look for the Thai Industrial Standards (TIS) certification mark, which indicates compliance with national product safety requirements.

Officials advised parents to avoid purchasing toys that emit a strong chemical odor or an unusually intense fragrance immediately after opening the package, as these may indicate the presence of unsafe chemical substances or attempts to mask chemical smells.

Proper Cleaning and Storage Are Also Important

In addition to purchasing certified products, parents are advised to clean squishy toys before first use and wash them regularly during use.

Because the porous foam material can easily accumulate dust, dirt, bacteria, and mold, damaged toys showing signs of tearing, crumbling, discoloration, or mold growth should be discarded immediately to reduce the risk of skin irritation, allergic reactions, or infection.

Consumer Protection Measures

Thailand's consumer protection authorities emphasized that toys sold in the country must comply with product labeling regulations and applicable safety standards. Manufacturers, importers, and distributors may be held legally responsible if unsafe products cause harm to consumers under Thailand's consumer protection and product liability laws.

Consumers who encounter potentially unsafe products or wish to report suspicious toys are encouraged to contact the Office of the Consumer Protection Board through its consumer hotline, mobile application, official website, or local government complaint centers.

Officials stressed that while inexpensive toys may seem attractive, parents should prioritize safety over price. Choosing products with clear labeling, recognized safety certification, and traceable manufacturers remains one of the most effective ways to protect children from preventable health risks.

 

Source : Thai Health Promotion Foundation