Parents are being warned about the dangers linked to a peculiar squishy toy craze spreading across the North East.
Concerns grow for children copying viral online trends that can result in serious burns.
Local authorities are urging parents to check toys carefully and monitor product safety recalls.
Durham County Council's trading standards team has now highlighted certain risks following a product recall involving dangerous squishy dumpling toys.
A council spokesperson said: "Our trading standards team is supporting the Office for Product Safety and Standards following a product recall of dangerous squishy dumpling toys."
The Office for Product Safety and Standards recently recalled Squeezy Dumplings after testing found excessive levels of toxic and carcinogenic chemicals in the outer layer of the toy.
The Squeezy Dumpling toy has been recalled following concerns about toxic chemicals in the outer layer of the toy.
(Image: CAPT)
Exposure can cause skin rashes and irritation to the eyes, nose and throat, as well as an increased risk of cancer.
There is also a lot of concern regarding videos circulating online showing squishy toys being heated in microwaves.
According to the Child Accident Prevention Trust (CAPT), warming the toys can cause the gel inside to become superheated.
If the toy then bursts when squeezed, scalding hot gel can spray onto a child's face, hands and chest.
CAPT said the trend has already been linked to severe burns, with some children left with life-changing injuries.
There have also been reports of the toys exploding after being left in strong sunlight, on windowsills or inside hot cars.
Alongside the burn risk and the product recall, experts are warning parents to watch out for imitation 'copycat' toys that may not meet UK safety standards.
The charity is urging parents to take particular care when buying toys from unknown sellers online, corner shops or cash and carry stores, as some products may not have undergone the same safety testing as those sold through major retailers.
They should also check toys and packaging for UKCA or CE safety markings, manufacturer details and age-appropriate warning labels.
Safety warnings issues by CAPT and trading standards about squishy toys
(Image: CAPT)
Katrina Phillips, chief executive of CAPT, said: "It's worrying to see so many potentially dangerous toys on sale.
"As a parent. you shouldn't have to be an expert in product safety to keep your children safe.
"You shouldn't need to scrutinise labels or check for recalls. You should simply be able to buy a toy and trust that it's safe."
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CAPT added that some squishy toys have also been found to contain water beads, which can expand if swallowed and cause potentially life-threatening bowel blockages in young children.
Families with a Squeezy Dumpling toy at home should take it away from children immediately while further testing is carried out by Trading Standards.
Parents whose children use other squishy toys are encouraged to check where they were bought from, look for signs of damage or leaking, and regularly check government product recall lists.