Issuing a new warning for a popular toy, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission says fake and counterfeit "squishy toys" can pose serious risks to children and may not comply with federal safety requirements.
Squishy toys come in shapes kids love, including animals, food and characters, but the CPSC says these pliable toys can put children in danger.
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"We are getting reports of a serious burn risk in relation to these toys," said Steve Roney, a spokesperson with the CPSC.
This week, the CPSC put out a consumer warning reiterating the hazards after officials said a viral social media trend is encouraging children and teens to microwave squishy toys.
The alert says the videos "depict the toys expanding, changing texture, or bursting when heated."
"No one should feel encouraged to place these toys into a microwave and heat them on purpose," Roney said. "It is extremely dangerous."
The agency says squishy toys in a hot car can also burst and pose a burn risk.
To date, at U.S. ports, officials say they've identified and helped prevent nearly 356,000 fake and counterfeit versions of the toy from entering the U.S.
Those toys may not meet federal safety requirements, and since it's unknown what's inside those toys, they say a child could be exposed to chemicals or face inhalation or ingestion hazards.
Some of the toys are filled with water beads, which can expand if swallowed and cause serious health problems.
"Do not buy unbranded and unmarked versions of these toys," Roney said. "Know the seller, know the brand ... even if they are branded, make sure that nothing in the branding or marketing is misspelled."
The CPSC asks buyers to beware of bargains, as prices that are substantially lower than those charged by established retailers may signal a counterfeit or substandard product.
If a squishy toy does burst, officials say to avoid direct skin contact during cleanup. Always follow age restrictions, and keep toys containing small parts or ingestible materials away from young children.