Parents and carers across Renfrewshire are being urged to take extra care when buying popular squishy toys after council officers removed more than 1,000 unsafe items from local retailers.
Trading Standards teams carried out checks and discovered numerous problems with the soft sensory toys — including foam and gel items shaped like food, animals and novelty designs. Among those seized were squeezy dumplings sold in plastic steamer baskets and "salted butter" bar-shaped toys.
Many of the products lacked proper safety markings such as UKCA or CE symbols, age guidance or UK importer details. Some also contain harmful chemical levels that can irritate skin, eyes and breathing.
There's an added concern around a dangerous TikTok trend encouraging children to microwave the toys, which can cause them to burst and result in serious burns.
Councillor Marie McGurk said children's safety remains the top priority, urging families to check toys carefully and discuss the risks of copying social media challenges.
Guidance is available through the Child Accident Prevention Trust website and Advice Direct Scotland.