ABC Trading Recalls 37,000 Viral Squishy Toys Over Water Bead Hazard

Two types of viral squishy toys sold nationwide have been recalled because their interior water beads pose a potentially deadly hazard to children if swallowed or inhaled, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. California-based ABC Trading recalled roughly 37,000 units of the toys because the expanding beads inside exceed permitted limits under mandatory federal safety standards for children’s products.

California Distributor Recalls 37,000 Squishy Dumpling and Crazy Squib Ball Toys

The Oct. 1 recall covers two distinct products distributed by ABC Trading between April and June at retail stores across the country. The first recalled item is the squishy dumpling toy, designated as model 3655, which features a cartoon face printed on a translucent, multicolored shell filled with glitter and hazardous water beads. These dumplings are packaged inside a tan plastic container shaped like a bamboo steamer.

The second affected item is the crazy squib ball, model 3984, which also contains glitter and water beads inside a translucent multicolored body. These balls are individually wrapped in white netting with packaging marked CRAZY SQUIB BALL and Squeeze it! Throw it! on the front. No injuries have been reported in connection with either toy as of the publication of this article.

Viral Unboxing Trend Drives Popularity Before Safety Action

Squishy buns closely resembling the recalled ABC Trading items have surged in popularity among children, driven largely by viral unboxing videos on social media platforms. In these widely shared clips, participants guess the color of the mystery squishy bun before opening its faux bamboo steamer container. Similar squishy dumpling toys manufactured by a different brand were also recalled in September due to the identical water bead hazard.

ABC Trading Offers Full Refunds for Returned Merchandise

Federal regulators advise consumers who purchased the recalled toys to stop using them immediately. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission instructs owners to write RECALLED in permanent marker directly on the toy, throw the item in the household trash, and email a photograph of the disposed product to recallabc@gmail.com to claim a full refund from ABC Trading.