Parents and carers across Renfrewshire are being urged to carefully check popular sensory toys before purchasing, following a major safety crackdown by local Trading Standards officers.
More than 1,000 unsafe squishy toys have been removed from shops throughout the area. The soft foam and gel toys, which come in playful shapes like dumplings in steamer baskets and salted butter bars, have become hugely popular with youngsters but counterfeit versions are proving difficult to spot.
Officers discovered toys containing harmful chemical levels that can irritate skin, eyes and breathing. Many items also lacked crucial safety details including age guidance, UK importer information and required UKCA or CE markings.
A worrying TikTok trend has emerged where children heat these toys in microwaves, causing them to burst and potentially inflict serious burns.
Councillor Marie McGurk said children's safety remains the top priority. She encouraged families to take time checking toys and discussing the dangers of copying online challenges.
Parents concerned about toys they've purchased should stop using them immediately. Businesses have been reminded of their legal obligations around product safety.
Guidance is available through the Child Accident Prevention Trust website and Advice Direct Scotland.