Latvia's consumer watchdog probes Squishy Dumpling toy over chemical odour complaints

The Consumer Rights Protection Centre (PTAC) has launched checks on the children's toy “Squishy Dumpling” after receiving several complaints from consumers about a strong chemical smell. The odour raised questions about the toy's safety. Similar products have already been pulled from shelves in the United Kingdom after tests showed significantly elevated benzene levels.

To assess the situation, PTAC sent multiple toy samples from different manufacturers to a laboratory. Experts tested the concentration of benzene and 18 other chemical substances. So far no non-compliance has been found in any sample. PTAC stressed that a chemical smell alone does not necessarily indicate an unsafe product, as it may be a characteristic of the specific item. The authority also noted that if a toy is found non-compliant abroad, this does not automatically apply to toys sold in Latvia, especially if they come from a different manufacturer and carry different identification, even if the toys look visually identical.

In addition, PTAC conducted in-store inspections and reviewed labelling. No labelling violations have been detected so far, but checks are continuing. However, inspections of online marketplaces revealed shortcomings in the provision of product information in every surveyed online store. PTAC is now communicating with distributors, and several online stores have already removed the toy from their offerings.

PTAC urges consumers to buy toys only from trusted retailers and online shops. Before purchasing, buyers should check that the product carries the manufacturer's name or registered trademark and address, as well as an identification element such as a model number or barcode. The centre also reminds consumers never to buy toys that do not have a CE conformity mark.