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🇩🇰 Denmark /Health & Science

Danish agency probes popular toy 'Squishy Dumplings' over chemical odor, allergies

From Berlingske · () Danish

Translated from Danish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Under investigation
  • Denmark's Environmental Protection Agency is investigating the toy "Squishy Dumplings" due to reports of a gasoline-like odor and allergic reactions.
  • The popular TikTok toy, resembling Asian dumplings, has prompted consumer complaints about its smell and potential chemical content.
  • Consumer organizations advise against playing with toys that emit odors, as this indicates the release of substances.

Denmark's Environmental Protection Agency is actively investigating the popular toy "Squishy Dumplings" following consumer reports of a strong, gasoline-like odor and instances of allergic reactions. The agency's Chemical Inspection unit is examining the toy, which is designed to resemble the Asian dish dumplings, to determine the source of the chemical smell and identify any other potentially harmful substances present.

The Environmental Protection Agency's Chemical Inspection is already investigating Squishy Dumplings following reports of odor and allergy from consumers.

— Kim Holm BoesenOffice chief at the Environmental Protection Agency, confirming the investigation into the toy.

"The Environmental Protection Agency's Chemical Inspection is already investigating Squishy Dumplings following reports of odor and allergy from consumers," stated Kim Holm Boesen, office chief at the agency, in a written response to TV2 Østjylland. The toy has gained significant popularity, particularly on the social media platform TikTok, where its unique appearance and texture have attracted many users.

The Chemical Inspection is investigating, among other things, the cause of the chemical odor and what other chemicals are in the toy.

— Kim Holm BoesenOffice chief at the Environmental Protection Agency, detailing the scope of the investigation.

Consumer organizations have also raised concerns. Last week, the Danish Consumer Council THINK posted on Facebook about receiving inquiries regarding the toy's smell. After purchasing several "Squishy Dumplings" themselves, they confirmed the presence of a gasoline-like odor. Stine Müller, project manager at the Consumer Council THINK Chemicals, advised, "The general rule of thumb is that toys that smell should not be played with."

The general rule of thumb is that toys that smell should not be played with.

— Stine MüllerProject manager at the Danish Consumer Council THINK Chemicals, advising consumers.

Müller further elaborated on the reasoning behind this advice: "Smell is the release of substances, and toys should not release substances." This statement underscores the potential health risks associated with toys that emit chemical odors, prompting regulatory bodies and consumer groups to urge caution and thorough investigation.

Smell is the release of substances, and toys should not release substances.

— Stine MüllerProject manager at the Danish Consumer Council THINK Chemicals, explaining the risks associated with smelly toys.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Berlingske in Danish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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