Viral TikTok Toy Craze Sparks Safety Concerns in Scotland
Trading standards officers in Glasgow have seized more than 5,900 counterfeit “squishy” toys amid growing concerns over consumer safety and the rising popularity of the products on social media platforms such as TikTok.
The soft, squeezable toys — often designed to resemble dumplings and packaged in takeaway-style dim sum boxes — have become a major trend among children and teenagers across the UK. However, authorities say many counterfeit versions entering the market may pose serious health risks.
Glasgow Trading Standards Seize Thousands of Fake Toys
Glasgow City Council confirmed that officers recovered the counterfeit toys from a warehouse in the city’s Tradeston district during an enforcement operation carried out on Thursday.
Officials warned that the imitation products had not undergone proper UK health and safety testing and may contain potentially harmful substances, including formaldehyde, solvents and phthalates.
The council said some of the seized items emitted strong chemical odours, raising further concerns about their safety for children and households.
Potential Health Risks Linked to Counterfeit Squishies
According to trading standards officers, exposure to unsafe materials in counterfeit toys could lead to a range of health issues, including:
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Skin irritation
- Breathing difficulties
Authorities also warned that some toys could fail flammability checks or present choking hazards for younger children. In some cases, the products may split open, exposing unknown contents that could cause further harm.
The council urged parents and shoppers to remain cautious when purchasing toys online or from low-cost retailers, particularly where products appear unusually cheap or lack proper labelling.
Council Warns Consumers to Check Safety Labels
Councillor Laura Doherty, Glasgow’s convener for neighbourhood services and assets, said the scale of the seizure highlighted the risks posed by counterfeit consumer goods.
She said: “The items which have been recovered pose serious dangers to anyone using or playing with them.
“I would urge people when considering buying these popular toys to check that you are purchasing from a retailer you can trust and to check labels thoroughly.”
The local authority advised shoppers to look for UKCA or CE safety markings, age guidance, manufacturer information and clear safety instructions before purchasing.
Signs a Toy Could Be Counterfeit
Glasgow City Council said consumers should be cautious if products:
- Are sold at unusually low prices
- Have a strong or unusual smell
- Lack packaging or safety information
- Do not include “do not eat” warnings despite resembling food
- Are missing UKCA or CE certification marks
Officials added that products without these details are likely to be counterfeit and potentially unsafe.
Counterfeit Goods Cost Consumers and Businesses
The council estimated that the operation prevented more than £400,000 worth of potential harm to consumers and legitimate businesses.
The figure is based on calculations from the Government’s Office for Product Safety and Standards, which estimates that each counterfeit toy can create around £71 in wider economic and safety-related costs. These include property damage, replacement costs, lost sales for legitimate retailers and time spent handling faulty or dangerous products.
Ms Doherty said trading standards teams would continue carrying out inspections and enforcement activity across Glasgow, particularly within lower-cost retail sectors and informal supply chains.
Growing Pressure on Retailers Amid Viral Toy Trends
The seizure reflects wider concerns across the UK over counterfeit products linked to fast-moving online trends. Consumer experts have repeatedly warned that social media-driven demand can lead to unsafe imitation goods rapidly entering the market before regulators can respond.
With “squishy” toys continuing to trend online, local authorities are urging shoppers to buy only from reputable retailers and to remain alert to possible safety risks before making purchases.
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