Squishy dumpling toy banned overseas can still be ordered in New Zealand
A number of Squeezy Dumplings were recalled in the UK in June after testing found benzene in the outer layer.
Consumer NZ has warned that a toy previously banned in the UK but still available in New Zealand poses a risk. Squeezy Dumplings, shaped like soft dumplings, were recalled in the UK in June due to the presence of benzene in their outer layer. This substance can irritate skin and cause digestive issues if exposure is significant.
While major retailers like The Warehouse and Kmart do not sell the recalled toy, it can still be purchased from online marketplaces such as Aliexpress. Consumer NZ's Gemma Rasmussen highlighted a gap in New Zealand's product safety system, stating that such potentially hazardous toys can still reach consumers through online channels, despite their unavailability in physical stores.
She emphasized that New Zealand's product safety laws have not been significantly updated in recent decades, while the landscape of online and in-store marketplaces has evolved. Rasmussen pointed out that the current safety regime heavily relies on manufacturers' risk assessments, rather than independent testing, making it vulnerable to unsafe products entering the market.
She urged the government to introduce a more robust product safety system in Aotearoa, given the risks posed by such unverified products.
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