EcoWaste Coalition Calls for Philippine Crackdown on Unsafe Squishy Toys Following Thai Success

• The EcoWaste Coalition is urging the Philippine government to take action against unregulated "squishy" toys due to health and safety concerns.
• This call follows a successful crackdown in Thailand, where authorities seized nearly 20,000 uncertified toys.
• Concerns focus on chemical exposure, choking hazards, and potential bacterial growth.

The Situation in Thailand

• The Thai Industrial Standards Institute (TISI) recently confiscated 19,665 substandard squishy toys from Bangkok's Sampheng market.
• The seized inventory is valued at over 1.01 million baht (approximately P1.85 million).
• TISI classifies these toys as controlled products under Thai Industrial Standard No. 685.

Health and Safety Risks

• Material composition: These toys, typically made from low-grade foam and polyurethane, may contain hazardous volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and phthalates.
• Toxicity: Exposure to VOCs can affect respiratory health and trigger allergies, while phthalates are linked to cancer and endocrine disruption.
• Choking and Ingestion: Many toys are designed to look like food and are scented, increasing the risk of children putting them in their mouths.
• Bacterial Growth: The porous, moisture-retaining material can harbor bacteria and fungi, potentially leading to skin infections.

Concerns in the Philippines

• The EcoWaste Coalition has raised alarms about the proliferation of similar unauthorized, unlabeled squishy toys in local street markets and shopping malls.
• The group has formally alerted the Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding potential violations of:
  • The FDA Act of 2009 (Republic Act No. 9711), regarding market release authorization.
  • The Toy and Game Safety Labeling Act of 2013 (Republic Act No. 10620), regarding mandatory safety labeling.
• The matter is currently under review by the Field Regulatory Operations Office (FROO).

Consumer Advice

• Purchase only FDA-authorized products that have passed safety and quality checks.
• Avoid products with poor or missing labeling information.
• Be wary of toys that emit a strong, unpleasant chemical odor.