EcoWaste Coalition backs FDA reminders on buying and using squishy toys

The environmental and health watchdog EcoWaste Coalition has welcomed a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advisory on squishy toys, calling it very timely as unauthorized products continue to circulate in the informal toy market, according to Mindanao Times.

The FDA advisory, posted on the agency's website on Oct. 28, gives consumers guidance on buying and using squishy toys carefully. The agency noted that safety authorities in other countries have raised concerns about some squishy toys that may contain or release potentially hazardous substances, including benzene and other chemicals. It also said some counterfeit or non-compliant products have contained water beads.

The FDA stressed that these findings do not mean all squishy toys are dangerous, only that buyers should choose carefully.

The agency urged parents and caregivers to inspect toys before buying or using them. Warning signs include a strong chemical, petroleum or unusual fragrance odour, an oily or sticky surface, leaks, holes or tears, discolouration, or parts that separate easily. Buyers should also be wary of products with missing manufacturer or importer details, poor safety labelling or age grading, unprofessional packaging, unidentified sellers, or suspiciously low prices. Toys should match the child's age and abilities, with adult supervision.

EcoWaste said it had alerted the FDA on July 28 to the spread of squishy toys without market authorization or labelling, citing sellers in bargain malls and on the streets of Binondo, Manila, including Santa Elena Street. In May and June, the group had publicised the sale of unapproved toys shaped like buns, dumplings, fries, pancakes and cookies, some of which it said had been banned or recalled in Europe.

The group also advised against buying squishy toys containing water beads, citing US Consumer Product Safety Commission warnings about ingestion, choking and obstruction hazards.

EcoWaste urged the FDA to work with customs, police and local governments on enforcement actions during the pre-Christmas rush. "We urge the government of the Philippines to seize illegal squishy toys and hold those behind the illicit trade accountable," the group said.