U.S. Safety Agency Warns Against Microwaving Popular Squishy Toys

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is warning consumers not to put squishy toys in microwave ovens, following the spread of videos showing the toys expanding, changing form or exploding when heated. The agency said such demonstrations are dangerous and should not be attempted or copied. The warning also covers hazards that can arise without a microwave. According to the commission, some squishy toys contain gels or water beads that may be poisonous. If swallowed, those materials can expand and potentially cause intestinal blockages or choking hazards. Counterfeit products are a particular concern, the agency said. Such toys are more likely to contain prohibited chemicals, including phthalates, and may tear during reasonably foreseeable use. A damaged toy could release small parts or filling material that creates additional hazards, while the product itself may fail to meet federal requirements. The commission has identified 55 shipments of noncompliant squishy toys at U.S. ports. Working with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, it prevented 355,683 units from entering the country and issued notices of violation to companies involved in importing or selling the products. The warning comes as squishy toys experience a sharp rise in popularity. The source, citing figures from market-research firm Circana, reported that U.S. sales reached about $297 million through June, roughly four times the amount recorded during the same period a year earlier. Unit sales rose nearly 200 percent to 58.6 million. Kristen McLean, Circana’s vice president of client insights and leader of its Entertainment Knowledge Group, said the toys’ low prices and broad retail availability have helped drive their reach, while social media helped boost interest in the NeeDoh line. An industry group cited in the report said six in 10 purchases of the leading NeeDoh toys are made for children, with two in 10 bought by adults for themselves. The commission said it will continue using import surveillance, enforcement and public warnings to keep dangerous squishy toys out of homes.