The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has told the public to stop using Pimple Popping Squishy toys with needles or syringes with sharp points.
The warning comes after OPSS launched an urgent investigation following reports these dangerous toys have been sold on the UK market. OPSS has already told online marketplaces to remove any listings of this type from their platforms. They must continue to remove dangerous products from their platforms and warn consumers of the risk.
While many of the products are marketed as ‘adult stress toys’, they clearly fall within the scope of UK Toy Regulations and present a risk of injury to people of all ages including children. The advertised function of the toy is to use a sharp pointed needle or syringe to produce a bubble in the toy or inject a substance for the user to squeeze, pop or burst.
OPSS has issued a number of Product Safety Reports to help consumers identify these toys and is asking anyone who may have one in their home to stop using them immediately. Needles should be placed in a puncture-resistant container to prevent them from causing injury until they can be disposed of safely.
Access your local authority’s website, or contact your local authority, for guidance on the safe disposal in your area. Your local pharmacy or GP surgery may accept sharps for disposal but please check in advance.
Pimple Popping Squishes - Product Safety Alerts, Reports and Recalls - GOV.UK