Squeezy Dumplings Recall Highlights the Critical Role of Chemical Testing in Toy Safety

A recent product recall in the UK has highlighted the potentially serious consequences when chemical safety requirements are not adequately addressed during the design, manufacture and supply of children's products.

Published by the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) on June 25, 2026, the recall of Squeezy Dumplings was classified as a serious chemical risk. Testing found that the outer layer of the soft plastic polymer toy contained an excess concentration of benzene at 20 mg/kg. The product was also found not to meet the requirements of the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011, requiring improvements to its labeling and marketing. The product was subsequently recalled from end users.

For businesses manufacturing, importing or selling toys, this case reinforces an important message: product safety testing should be an integral part of bringing a product to market.

Chemical risks can be hidden in everyday products

To consumers, a soft plastic toy may appear simple and harmless. However, the materials, coatings, dyes, softeners and other substances used to manufacture it can introduce chemical risks that may not be visible to the naked eye.

This is why chemical testing is such an important component of product safety.

Our toy testing services cover chemical analysis for a wide range of potentially harmful substances, including benzene. Depending on the product and applicable requirements, we can test for heavy metals such as lead and cadmium, phthalates in plastics, azo dyes, formaldehyde, nickel release, organic chemical compounds, carcinogenic, mutagenic and reprotoxic (CMR) chemicals, and endocrine disruptors.

The Squeezy Dumplings recall demonstrates why chemical testing can be particularly important for toys and children's products, where consumers may chew, handle or have prolonged contact with the product.

Testing before products reach consumers

For manufacturers and brands, identifying a chemical issue after a product has entered the market can be costly and disruptive.

A recall may involve withdrawing products from consumers, managing customer communications, dealing with retailers and distributors, investigating the cause of the problem and potentially redesigning or reformulating the product.

Independent chemical testing provides an opportunity to identify potential issues earlier in the product lifecycle.

We work with businesses to develop testing programs tailored to their products and requirements. Our chemical testing services cover a broad range of consumer goods and can be used individually or as part of a tailored testing package.

How can we help toy manufacturers?

We support businesses throughout the product development and compliance process, helping manufacturers and brands understand potential chemical risks and determine the testing needed for their products.

We offer:

• Chemical testing – helping identify restricted, banned or potentially dangerous chemicals in materials and finished products
• Toy safety testing – combining chemical testing with physical, mechanical and flammability testing to provide a more comprehensive assessment of toy safety
• Regulatory support – helping businesses understand applicable requirements and standards for the markets in which their products are sold
• Risk assessment and technical support – our specialists can help businesses assess products and advise on risks and legislative requirements
• International market access – we have a global network of experts and laboratories to help businesses test products against requirements applicable in different markets

This combination can be particularly valuable for businesses that manufacture products overseas, source components from multiple suppliers or sell to multiple international markets.

Why work with us?

Product compliance can become complicated when businesses need to consider different materials, chemicals, standards and regulatory requirements across multiple markets.

Working with an experienced testing partner can help businesses take a more proactive approach.

Our chemical testing service allows manufacturers, distributors and suppliers to obtain testing, advice and support across product quality assurance. Our laboratory can conduct chemical, mechanical and physical property testing to help businesses assess product safety and bring products to market safely and efficiently.

For toy manufacturers specifically, we have UK-based expertise in toy and chemistry testing, including testing against EN 71 requirements and chemical analysis for potentially harmful substances. Our facility provides in-house testing capabilities and has UKCA Approved Body status for toys.

Don't wait for a recall to reveal a chemical safety issue

The Squeezy Dumplings recall is a reminder that product safety is about more than meeting expectations, it is about demonstrating that products meet the requirements that apply to them.

For businesses producing toys and children's products, chemical testing can provide valuable evidence that materials and finished products have been assessed against relevant requirements. More importantly, it can help identify potential problems before products reach consumers.

If you manufacture, import or supply toys or children's products, now is the time to review your chemical testing program.

Is your product chemically safe and ready for market?

Talk to us about your product and testing requirements.

Discover more on our range of services.

Chemical testing >

Toy testing >

EU Toy safety directive and EU Toy safety Regulation >

We can help you identify the chemical tests relevant to your product, assess potential risks and build a testing program designed around your target markets.

Don't wait for a failed test, customer complaint or product recall to discover a problem.

Contact us today and take a proactive approach to chemical safety, product compliance and consumer protection. 

For further information, please contact:

Rob Hinchcliffe 
UK Hardlines Manager
Connectivity & Products
United Kingdom 
t: +44 (0)151 350 6666