Group warns against squeezy dumpling toys over chemical risks

They are colorful and small enough to fit in the mouth, but an advocacy group is warning against buying popular squeezy dumpling toys, saying they contain hazardous chemicals that may pose risks to children's health and safety.

Resembling steamed buns, these products are readily available in retail and online stores, with prices ranging from P65 to P155 depending on the size and popularity of the product.

The toxics watchdog BAN Toxics said squeezy dumpling toys were recalled in the United Kingdom last June due to excessive concentrations of benzene, a chemical associated with various acute and long-term adverse health effects, including cancer and hematological problems.

According to the UK Office for Product Safety and Standards, the outer layer of squeezy dumpling toys contained benzene concentrations of up to 20 mg/kg, which, if inhaled, may cause irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat.

Exposure to large amounts may also cause a burning sensation in the digestive tract and skin irritation.

Thony Dizon, advocacy and campaign officer of BAN Toxics, said these toys are especially risky for children due to their tendency to put objects in their mouths.

“Food-like squeezy dumpling toys may appear harmless and playful, yet they may contain chemicals that pose risks to a child's health and development. These products also violate existing toy safety standards in the country,” Dizon said.

Dizon said Republic Act No. 10620, the law governing toy and game safety labeling, requires all toys and games—whether locally manufactured or imported, distributed, donated, or sold in the Philippines—to comply with applicable safety labeling and manufacturer’s marking requirements under the Philippine National Standards (PNS) for toy safety.

The law tasks the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) as the primary regulatory agencies responsible for inspecting, monitoring, and conducting surveillance of establishments, as well as collecting product samples.

BAN Toxics urged the FDA, DTI, and local government units (LGUs) to conduct post-marketing surveillance, carry out confiscation operations, issue public health advisories, and implement enforcement measures such as product recalls to remove food-like squeezy dumpling toys from the market and ensure only safe toys are available to consumers.