CPSC Warns of Dangerous Counterfeit Squishy Toys Posing Risks to Children
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is issuing a warning about fake and counterfeit squishy toys that pose serious risks to children. These toys, often sold online and in discount stores, may break apart, contain lead or banned chemicals,…
Portland, OR, August 13, 2026 —
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a public warning regarding counterfeit squishy toys, citing serious safety concerns for children.
These imitation toys, frequently found on online marketplaces and in discount retail stores, present multiple potential hazards. According to the CPSC, these products can break apart, exposing small parts that may be choking hazards. Additionally, the materials used in their construction may contain harmful substances such as lead or chemicals that are banned for use in children’s products.
The CPSC has reported intercepting thousands of shipments containing these violative toys at U.S. ports of entry, indicating a significant volume of potentially dangerous products entering the market.
Beyond the risks associated with material composition and structural integrity, the agency also highlighted a severe burn risk. The CPSC stated that heating these squishy toys, whether intentionally through methods like microwaving or unintentionally through exposure to high temperatures, can lead to severe burns.
The warning aims to alert consumers and caregivers to the dangers associated with these counterfeit items and advises caution when purchasing and using squishy toys.
Story summarized from the original created by Debra Worley on www.kptv.com, see more information here.
