North Northamptonshire Council’s trading standards officers have seized 470 toys suspected to be unsafe or counterfeit since 1 July, warning residents to be vigilant as the school summer holidays approach.
What was removed and why
The items taken off sale include imitations of popular ‘squishy’ toys that have been associated with a strong chemical smell and have previously been subject to safety recalls. Officials said some of the products may contain harmful substances such as benzene, which can present a risk to children's health.
"As we approach the school summer holidays, I would ask that residents remain vigilant and make sure that any toys purchased display the necessary marks and information," said Cllr Kirk Harrison, the council’s executive member for regulatory services.
How the unsafe toys were being sold
Trading standards officers found suspect items sold in a range of settings across the area. Some business owners told investigators they had sourced products through informal channels, including sales from vehicles and car boot sales.
- Number seized: 470 items since 1 July
- Types affected: Counterfeit and potentially chemically contaminated 'squishy' toys and similar items
- Risks: Possible chemical exposure, choking hazards, failure to meet UK safety standards
What to check before you buy
The council has reminded shoppers and carers that every toy placed on the UK market must comply with the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011. Before purchasing, residents should check products for clear identification and traceability.
| Essential checks | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| UKCA or CE marking | Indicates the product meets required safety standards |
| Manufacturer and importer details | Allows tracing if a recall is necessary |
| Batch or product reference number | Helps identify specific faulty batches |
Cllr Martin Griffiths, leader of the council, added that trading standards staff were performing an important protective role for families across North Northamptonshire.
Residents are advised to buy toys from reputable retailers, be cautious of very cheap offers in informal settings, and report suspicious items or sellers to the council's trading standards team so they can be inspected and, if necessary, removed from sale.
Further practical advice and information on how to report unsafe toys can be obtained from North Northamptonshire Council's website and consumer helplines.
Reporting unsafe toys quickly can prevent harm and help trading standards target the sources of dangerous and counterfeit goods.
