The CPSC has recalled multiple brands of squishy dumpling and ball toys over the same deadly defect: the water beads inside the toys can expand beyond the permitted size when swallowed, posing a fatal ingestion, choking, and intestinal obstruction hazard to young children. The recalls were announced in early October 2026. No injuries have been reported across the recalled brands. Simultaneously, the CPSC issued a broader consumer safety alert warning parents about fake and counterfeit squishy toys — including a viral social media trend encouraging children to microwave them, which causes serious burns.
What’s Being Recalled?
Five brands of squishy dumpling or ball toys are included in active recalls, all sharing the same water bead ingestion defect:
ABC Trading — Squishy Dumpling Toys (model 3655) and Crazy Squib Ball Toys (model 3984), sold in translucent colors in bamboo steamer-style containers. About 37,000 units sold at ABC Trading stores in Los Angeles and other retailers nationwide from April through June 2026 for $0.41 to $1.25. Refund: write “RECALLED” on toys, discard, email photo to [email protected].
OKK Trading — Rainbow Mystery Squishy Bun Toys, sold in tan plastic containers at third-party stores nationwide from May through August 2026. Email [email protected].
Toyworld168 — Rainbow Mystery Squishy Bun Toys, sold at third-party stores from June through July 2026 for about $3.
GIHNJSI (Chenyuanhui) — Squeezy Dumplings, sold on Amazon from May through June 2026 for about $20. Email [email protected].
Easy Wholesale — Squishy dumpling toys, about 480 units sold in San Jose, California in July 2026 for about $10.
Why Were These Products Recalled?
The water beads inside all recalled toys expand to a size larger than what the federal mandatory safety standard for toys permits. If a young child swallows a water bead, it continues to expand inside the digestive tract — potentially reaching a size large enough to cause a life-threatening intestinal blockage, perforation, dehydration, and death. The hazard is compounded by the toys’ appealing appearance and small, swallowable components. The CPSC’s simultaneous consumer safety alert also warns that counterfeit squishy toys — which lack proper safety testing — may contain unknown filling materials that pose additional chemical exposure, inhalation, or ingestion hazards.
What Should You Do?
Take all recalled squishy dumpling or ball toys away from children immediately. For all brands, write “RECALLED” in permanent marker on the toy, discard it, and email a photo of the disposed toy to the appropriate contact for your brand above to receive a refund. Do not sell or give away the recalled toys. Also stop using any squishy toy that lacks a clear manufacturer name or safety labeling — counterfeit squishy toys of all types are currently flagged as hazardous by the CPSC.
