Concerns about the safety of squishy toys have increased globally amid reports of counterfeit products containing potentially toxic materials. These toys, popular for their sensory and stress-relieving properties, have seen a resurgence fueled largely by social media, but parents and retailers are now exercising greater caution.

Rena Heng, a marketing professional from Singapore, had previously enjoyed making handmade squishies with her five-year-old daughter. However, after learning about reports of harmful substances in fake squishies abroad, she has put their collection away, despite her daughter showing no adverse reactions. "I was slightly shocked," Heng said, noting that safety checks had not been a priority until the recent warnings.

The issue has gained attention worldwide. In Thailand, authorities seized nearly 20,000 illegal squishy toys linked to carcinogenic substances in August. Similarly, the United States recalled approximately 37,000 squishies in October due to ingestion hazards. These incidents have raised alarms over unregulated replicas of popular brands like NeeDoh, which may contain unsafe chemicals or fillers.

Singapore’s Consumer Product Safety Office (CPSO) acknowledged receiving a limited number of complaints regarding squishy toys this year, including concerns about chemical odors and potential skin irritation. While the CPSO said these reports do not conclusively indicate widespread safety breaches in products available locally, it is monitoring developments closely and continuing market surveillance both in stores and online. The office also noted that the specific items recalled in the U.S. had no indication of distribution in Singapore.

Local retailers have observed a growing presence of counterfeit squishies since September. Tan Wei Jie, founder of Spintaku toy store, highlighted that some such toys sold at neighborhood shops emitted strong paint-like odors that could be harmful to children. He emphasized his commitment to importing only products certified by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

Similarly, Tryphena Ng, founder of Squishy Town, advised consumers to request safety certificates from sellers. Reputable imports from China, for instance, should carry the China Compulsory Certificate (CCC), alongside compliance reports from recognized organizations such as ISO, IEC, or ASTM International. Ng also holds official partnership certificates from established squishy brands like Mido Squishy to assure customers of authenticity.

Kevin Kwok, director of Kids Village Asia—official distributor of NeeDoh in Singapore and Malaysia—expressed concerns over counterfeit NeeDoh toys appearing in physical stores. He warned that fake products often mimic official packaging and may be accompanied by misleading "test reports." Kwok stressed the importance of checking anti-counterfeit labels with unique verification codes, which genuine NeeDoh products include. "You have no idea what's inside a fake," he said, noting that suspiciously low prices and unbranded items are red flags.

Consumers are encouraged to watch for packaging inconsistencies, unsealed boxes, or colors not associated with the authentic brand. Meanwhile, some buyers like Chua Ying Xuan, a part-time teacher, continue to enjoy squishies as stress-relief tools, though she cautions against using damaged or broken toys. She also uses the hobby of swapping squishies to engage with her students, noting she would consider purchasing them for older children but with proper warnings.

While Heng has paused buying squishies for her family, she remains open to future purchases from verified, reputable sources after conducting more thorough research. The growing awareness surrounding counterfeit squishies underscores the importance of consumer vigilance amid the toys’ ongoing popularity.