Toxic Squishy Dumpling Toys Spark Belgian Safety Scandal

Belgian toxicology professor Jan Tytgat of KU Leuven has issued an urgent warning about popular “squishy dumpling” toys after laboratory tests revealed they contain potentially carcinogenic substances, including compounds found in crude oil. The findings, published by HLN, have triggered a cascade of retailer withdrawals and a formal government investigation.

The Investigation

HLN consumer expert Safia Yachou commissioned the tests after parents raised concerns about the toys’ strong chemical odor. Three samples were analyzed: one from the Sinksenfoor fair in Antwerp, one purchased via Bol.com, and one from Standaard Boekhandel. All three tested poorly.

“Our analyses show that potentially carcinogenic substances are detectable,” Professor Tytgat said. “These include xylene, benzene derivatives, and naphthalene derivatives — products that naturally occur in crude oil.” He warned that the chemicals can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, concentration problems, lung irritation, and skin allergies, and that prolonged skin contact is particularly concerning for children.

“As adults, we don’t just touch gasoline with our bare hands either,” Tytgat added. “You won’t get sick or die immediately, but it’s not healthy. I don’t think it’s appropriate for children to play with them.”

Retailers Pull Products

The investigation prompted immediate action. Standaard Boekhandel, which had sold nearly 10,000 units across its 170 stores in Flanders, Brussels, and Wallonia, removed all squishy dumplings before opening hours on July 9.

“We saw the article in HLN and the report on VTM NIEUWS and immediately took action,” said Veerle De Witte, CEO of Standaard Boekhandel Group, as reported by HLN. “Safety takes precedence over everything.”

Bol.com, Delhaize, and Carrefour followed suit, pulling the products from shelves and online stores. Delhaize spokesperson Sarah De Meester stated the products would not be sold again “until their origin, authenticity, and conformity have been formally validated.”

However, toy chain DreamLand continues to sell the dumplings, claiming their stock has been “extensively tested and is safe.” Professor Tytgat’s tests found all three samples from different sources tested poorly, suggesting a systemic issue rather than isolated bad batches.

CE Label Under Scrutiny

The squishy dumpling from Standaard Boekhandel carried a CE label — meant to certify compliance with European safety standards — yet contained petroleum fractions. Professor Tytgat questioned the certification’s validity.

“If we see that there are fractions of crude oil in there that can irritate children’s hands, then I have questions about that certification,” he said. The case has highlighted long-standing concerns about the CE system, which relies heavily on self-certification by manufacturers.

Government Response

Belgium’s Minister of Consumer Protection, Rob Beenders, has ordered the FOD Economie to launch an official investigation. “We are currently making an inventory of which products are present on our market,” said spokesperson Etienne Mignolet. “We are also looking at which test methods we will use and in which labs those analyses can be conducted.”

The FOD Volksgezondheid (Public Health) has issued precautionary advice, recommending parents choose toys made of natural materials like wood or textiles, and to let new plastic toys air out for several days before use.

International Dimension

The issue extends beyond Belgium. The UK’s Office for Product Safety and Standards issued a formal recall on June 25, 2026, for “Squeezy Dumplings” sold by Samsons Cash and Carry Ltd in Cardiff, finding excess benzene (20mg/kg) in the outer layer. The Netherlands’ NVWA (Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority) also launched an investigation in early July following consumer complaints about a strong chemical odor.

Burn Incidents

Burn centers have reported a dangerous social media trend where children microwave the dumplings to soften them, causing explosions. A 13-year-old in Belgium suffered facial and neck burns. Experts warn that the chemical vapors released during such incidents pose additional risks.

What’s Next

The FOD Economie investigation is ongoing, with authorities examining which test methods to employ and contacting European counterparts. The case has reignited debate about the CE labeling system and could prompt EU-level review of toy safety regulations. Consumers who detect a strong oily odor from their squishy dumplings are advised to discard them immediately.