Authorities urge consumers to buy only from trusted retailers and to check for UKCA or CE safety marks, clear age guidance, manufacturer details, and safety instructions before purchasing.

In Glasgow, trading standards officers raided a Tradeston warehouse and seized more than 5,900 counterfeit squishy toys amid safety concerns tied to social media trends.

The counterfeit toys may not have undergone UK safety testing and could contain harmful substances like formaldehyde, solvents and phthalates, with some items emitting strong chemical odours.

Red flags for counterfeit toys include unusually low prices, strong or odd smells, lack of packaging or safety information, missing do-not-eat warnings, and absent UKCA/CE marks.

The wider context shows growing pressure from viral toy trends driving unsafe imitation products into the market, underscoring shopper vigilance.

Officials estimate the operation prevented over £400,000 in potential harm to consumers and legitimate businesses, based on wider cost calculations for counterfeit toys.

Glasgow City Council says enforcement will continue across the city, targeting lower-cost retailers and informal supply chains as part of national concerns about social-media-driven counterfeit goods.

Health risks from counterfeit squishies include nausea, headaches, skin irritation, breathing difficulties, and potential choking or fire hazards for younger children.