Trading standards in Reading have seized over 320 sensory 'squishy' toys amid fears they do not meet UK safety requirements. The local authority said officers were alerted by a strong chemical odour coming from some items and found a number of products lacked the legally required safety labelling.
What officers found and why it matters
Reading Borough Council’s enforcement team carried out visits across the borough in recent days. Inspectors discovered toys emitting a noticeable smell and identified packaging that did not include mandatory safety information. Local officials stressed that although such products can appear harmless, non-compliant toys may present risks to children if they split, leak or are otherwise damaged.
- Items seized: more than 320 sensory/squishy toys
- Concerns noted: strong chemical odour; missing safety markings and information
- Advice to consumers: stop using any squishy toy that leaks, splits or becomes damaged
Official advice and enforcement
The council recommended that parents and carers should never heat, microwave or otherwise tamper with these toys, and should dispose of or safely store any that show signs of damage. Enforcement visits are continuing and retailers across Reading have been reminded of their legal duty to supply goods that conform to UK toy safety law. The council warned that non-compliant products may be seized and shops could face further action where necessary.
"Parents and carers should be able to trust that the toys they buy for their children are safe," said Councillor Finn McGoldrick, lead member for environmental services and community safety. "These product seizures demonstrate our ongoing commitment to protecting consumers and removing potentially dangerous products from the marketplace."
What parents in Reading should do now
Parents and guardians are being urged to check new and existing toys for appropriate safety markings before purchase. The council advised buying from reputable retailers and reporting unsafe products directly to the Trading Standards team. During the summer holidays — when toy use typically rises — the authority asked residents to remain vigilant.
For clarity, the council supplied the following quick reference:
| Item | Current status |
|---|---|
| Sensory/squishy toys seized | 320+ |
| Ongoing action | Enforcement visits across the borough |
Residents with concerns about toys they have bought or seen for sale in Reading should contact the council’s Trading Standards team to report the product and receive guidance on safe disposal or further action.
