People in Britain are being urged to stop using a type of squishy toy that comes with needles or syringes, according to the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS). The watchdog has opened an urgent investigation after reports that these Pimple Popping Squishy toys have been sold in the UK.

Key points

  • Warning — the OPSS says Pimple Popping Squishy toys with sharp needles or syringes pose an injury risk.
  • Online sales — marketplaces have been told to take down listings and keep removing dangerous products.
  • Disposal — owners should stop using the toys and put needles in a puncture-resistant container.
  • Guidance — local councils, pharmacies and GP surgeries can advise on safe disposal.

The products are often advertised as stress toys for adults, but the OPSS says they still fall under UK Toy Regulations. The sharp point is used to make a bubble in the toy or inject a substance that the user then squeezes or bursts, which can hurt people of any age, including children.

Online marketplaces have already been instructed to remove any listings of this kind and to warn customers about the danger. The OPSS has published a series of Product Safety Reports to help people recognise the toys.

Anyone who has one at home should stop using it straight away. Needles should be kept in a puncture-resistant container until they can be thrown away safely. For local disposal rules, check your council's website or get in touch with them. A pharmacy or GP surgery may take sharps, but check first.

Editor's comment

What it means in practice

If you have bought one of these toys, the main thing is not to keep using it. The risk comes from the needle or syringe, so treat it like any other sharp object in the home.

  • Check your home — look through toy boxes and stress-relief gifts for anything matching the description, and stop using it.
  • Store sharps safely — put needles in a puncture-resistant container and keep it away from children until you can dispose of it.
  • Ask before you bin it — contact your council for local rules, or ask a pharmacy or GP surgery if they accept sharps, and confirm in advance.