QUEZON CITY — The environmental and health watchdog group EcoWaste Coalition welcomed the reminders issued by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on the purchase and use of squishy toys as very timely, as unauthorized products continue to flood the informal toy market.
Published on the FDA website on Oct. 28, Advisory No. 2016-1705 provides consumers with important information on the careful procurement and proper use of squishy toys, which, as noted by the agency, “have become increasingly popular among children and adults because of their soft texture, colorful designs, and sensory appeal.”
On July 28 this year, the EcoWaste Coalition drew the FDA’s attention to the proliferation of squishy toys lacking market authorization and labeling information, providing the agency with evidence of countless squishy toys being offered by toy wholesalers and retailers doing business in bargain shopping malls and in the streets of Binondo, Manila, such as in Santa Elena Street.
Before writing to the FDA, the group in May-June publicized the rampant sale of cute but unapproved squishy toys, such as those shaped like buns, dumplings, and favorite kiddie snacks such as fries, pancakes, and cookies, some of which have been banned or recalled in Europe for lacking legal safety markings, for having a petrol-like smell, or for containing chemicals of concern, such as benzene and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
As noted in the FDA Advisory: “Safety authorities in other countries have raised concerns about certain squishy toys that may contain or release potentially hazardous substances.” European assessments have found that some squishy toys can emit organic chemicals that may raise health concerns, while recent international product-safety actions have also involved counterfeit or non-compliant squishy toys containing hazardous substances or water beads. Certain squishy products have also been investigated for elevated levels of chemicals such as benzene.”
“These results do not imply that all squishy toys are hazardous but rather underscore the necessity of selecting products with caution. In light of these issues, the FDA hereby reminds consumers to observe the proper use of squishy toys and exercise care and diligence in selecting toys for use by children,” the FDA said.
To minimize potential safety issues, the FDA urges parents and caregivers to:
1. Carefully inspect squishy toys before purchasing and using them. Warning signs include a strong chemical, petroleum, solvent, or unusual fragrance odor; an unusually oily or sticky surface; leakage; holes, tears, or punctures; easy tearing or separation; discoloration; or other signs of deterioration.
2. Be cautious of products with incomplete or missing manufacturer or importer information, inadequate safety labeling or age grading, unprofessional packaging, unidentified sellers, or suspiciously low prices.
3. Choose toys appropriate for the child’s age and abilities and provide appropriate adult supervision.
In addition, the EcoWaste Coalition encouraged parents and caregivers not to buy squishy toys containing water beads, noting that these expandable plastics pose “deadly ingestion, choking, and obstruction hazards,” as warned by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
To curb the proliferation of potentially dangerous squishy toys and other unauthorized and counterfeit toys, the EcoWaste Coalition strongly urged the FDA, in collaboration with customs, police, and local government authorities, to conduct a series of law enforcement actions to break the illegal trade at the source amid the pre-Christmas toy shopping rush.
“Like the consumer and product safety authorities of Malaysia and Thailand, we urge the government of the Philippines to seize illegal squishy toys and hold those behind the illicit trade accountable,” the group said.
