St. Louis, MO, August 13, 2026 —

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a public warning concerning the prevalence of fake and counterfeit “squishy” toys that present significant safety hazards to children.

These imitation toys, frequently discovered being sold through online marketplaces and in discount retail establishments, have been found to possess multiple dangerous attributes. According to the CPSC, these toys may easily break apart, exposing small children to choking hazards. Furthermore, testing has revealed that some of these counterfeit items contain harmful substances such as lead or chemicals that are banned for use in consumer products.

A particularly concerning finding is that some of these toys are filled with hazardous materials, including substances like water beads, which can swell and pose ingestion risks. The CPSC has actively intercepted numerous shipments containing these violative products in an effort to prevent them from reaching consumers.

To mitigate the risks associated with these dangerous toys, the CPSC is providing guidance to parents and caregivers. Consumers are strongly advised to exercise caution and purchase such toys only from reputable sellers to ensure a higher likelihood of product safety and authenticity. Additionally, shoppers should be wary of excessively low prices, which can be an indicator of counterfeit goods. It is recommended to carefully inspect product packaging for any signs of defects or tampering before purchasing.

The commission also issued a specific warning against heating these toys, noting that such actions could lead to severe burn risks for children.



Story summarized from the original created by Debra Worley on www.firstalert4.com, see more information here.

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