North Northamptonshire Council has seized nearly 500 non-compliant toys over the last month, prompting safety warnings about their potential risks.

Among the 470 items seized by the local authority’s trading standards team were ‘counterfeit and potentially hazardous’ models of the squeeze toys that are currently sought-after.

In a statement, the council has highlighted the ‘serious safety concerns’ that surround the non-compliant versions of the squishy dumpling toys.

It has been confirmed that some release a ‘strong chemical odour’ and have required product recalls owing to the presence of benzene, which the council has described as a ‘hazardous chemical that may pose a risk to children’s health’.

The unsafe products have been identified since July 1, with the statement revealing that a significant amount of similarly dangerous items have also been found on the market at other North Northamptonshire premises.

The local authority has warned that before purchasing, both customers and businesses should check the authenticity of toys, which must be consistent the essential safety standards of the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011.

While the regulations legally necessitate manufacturers, importers and distributors to see that toys for sale meet the above requirements, business owners had told trading standards that a number of the non-compliant items were bought from informal sources, such as car boot sales and people distributing goods from vehicles.

‘As a result, trading standards is advising consumers and businesses to exercise increased caution when sourcing toys’, the statement says.

To support residents in the verification process, the council has advised that toys should display the following details:

• A UKCA or CE marking
• The name and address of the manufacturer
• The name and address of the importer, the manufacturer’s base outside the UK
• A batch number, serial number or product reference number.

Comments

Cllr Kirk Harrison, the council’s Executive Member for Regulatory Services, said:  ‘As we approach the school summer holidays, I would ask that residents remain vigilant and make sure that any toys purchased display the necessary marks and information.

‘By remaining aware and purchasing from trusted sources, consumers can help ensure that toys are safe and compliant, protecting children from harm.’