Before You Buy a Squishy, Louisiana Parents, Read This Warning

(Lafayette, LA) - A federal agency is warning parents about the safety risks of fake and counterfeit squishy toys and viral videos that show the toys being put in microwaves.

Why Federal Officials Are Warning Louisiana Parents about Bad Squishy Toys

We received information to pass along to you about a product that is extremely popular among kids in Acadiana. You likely have tons of these and see them everywhere.

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Now, you, apparently, have to be careful with what you purchase, according to the Consumer Product Safety Council.

Squishies are sold at a variety of retailers, online, and via social media, but they suggest that you make sure what you are purchasing, as some fake toys are being made with dangerous products.

Hidden Dangers in Fake Squishy Toys Parents Need to Know About

Government officials point out that counterfeit products have several hazards, including the following:

Water beads
Small parts
Lead
Phthalates
Hazardous substances
Flimsy material that can burst

Make Sure Your Kids Don't Put Their Squishy in the Microwave

To add to the issues with subpar products is the viral media trend of videos showing people putting squishy in the microwave, which poses a potential for burns.

Officials say no one should ever do this because even if it doesn't completely explode, the material can become deteriorated, ooze out, and burn your child.

How to Tell If You Have a Counterfeit or Subpar Squishy Item:

Squishy Bun Toy Containing Waterbeads — Consumer Product Safety Council

An unknown manufacturer
Doesn't come with the required safety information
Has a strong chemical odor
Feel Oily
Unusually sticky
It Leaks
It is easily torn apart

If this has already happened with any of the squishy toys you have at home, the Consumer Product Safety Commission wants you to report it. Why? Well, officials need to know which products are causing issues so they can be banned.