TACLOBAN CITY-Consumers, particularly parents, are being urged to exercise caution when buying trendy squeezy dumpling toys that resemble steamed buns after a toxics watchdog raised concerns over possible chemical risks linked to the products.
BAN Toxics issued the alert after the toys, which have recently gained popularity online, became widely available in retail stores and online shopping platforms.
The food-like toys come in various sizes and colors, with some variants containing glitter. They are sold for about P65 to P120 in retail stores and P55 to P155 on online shopping platforms.
The consumer group said the warning was prompted by a product recall issued by the United Kingdom government in June over squeezy dumpling toys found to contain excessive concentrations of benzene.
Citing the UK Office for Product Safety and Standards, BAN Toxics said the recalled product posed a serious chemical risk because its outer layer contained 20 milligrams of benzene per kilogram.
Exposure to benzene may cause irritation to the eyes, nose and throat, while exposure to large amounts may result in a burning sensation in the digestive tract and skin irritation, the group said.
The World Health Organization has also linked human exposure to benzene to various acute and long-term adverse health effects, including cancer and blood-related disorders.
“Children tend to put toys 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,” said Thony Dizon, advocacy and campaign officer of BAN Toxics.
Dizon said such products may also violate existing toy safety standards in the Philippines.
Under Republic Act No. 10620, or the Toy and Game Safety Labeling Act of 2013, all toys and games sold, distributed, donated, imported or manufactured in the country must comply with applicable toy safety and labeling requirements under the Philippine National Standards.
The law’s implementing rules and regulations designate the Food and Drug Administration and the Department of Trade and Industry as the primary agencies responsible for enforcing toy safety requirements.
The FDA, with assistance from the DTI and other concerned agencies, is tasked with conducting inspections, monitoring establishments, conducting market surveillance and collecting product samples to determine compliance.
BAN Toxics called on the FDA, DTI and local government units to conduct post-marketing surveillance and enforcement operations against potentially unsafe squeezy dumpling toys.
The group also urged authorities to issue public health advisories and implement appropriate measures, including product recalls, if violations are confirmed.
BAN Toxics reminded parents and consumers to read product information and check for required safety labeling before buying toys.
It also advised consumers to choose toys appropriate for a child’s age and developmental abilities, avoid products with strong chemical odors and exercise caution with toys that may contain potentially harmful substances in their colors, materials or components.
Consumers may also check toys and childcare articles through the FDA Verification Portal for relevant public health advisories before purchasing.
(JOEY A. GABIETA)
