EcoWaste Coalition Lauds Thai Action vs. Illegal Squishy Toys to Protect Children’s Health, Urges PH to Follow Suit
Samples of unapproved squishy toys sold in streets and shopping despite lacking market authorization and labeling information.
05 August 2026, Quezon City. The toxics watchdog group EcoWaste Coalition commended the Government of Thailand for cracking down against substandard squishy toys that may pose chemical and choking risks to young children.
“We commend the Thai authorities for clamping down on low-quality squishy toys that can harm children’s health,” said Aileen Lucero, National Coordinator, EcoWaste Coalition. “We hope our government does the same to keep kids safe from these risky toys.”
Much like in Thailand, soft squeezable and stretchable toys have flooded the Philippine toy market, prompting the EcoWaste Coalition to raise public health flags on May 28 and June 15 regarding their unregulated trade.
Last week, on July 28, the group alerted the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to a surge of these unauthorized and unlabeled squishy toys of diverse designs and sizes being sold on streets and in shopping malls.
These toys have not been evaluated and authorized for market release by the FDA in violation of Republic Act No. 9711, or the FDA Act of 2009. They are also insufficiently labeled, breaching the mandatory requirements of Republic Act No. 10620, or the Toy and Game Safety Labeling Act of 2013.
The group’s report was subsequently referred to the Field Regulatory Operations Office (FROO) for appropriate action.
As reported by Thai media, Thai Industrial Standards Institute (TISI) inspectors recently seized 19,665 substandard squishy toys worth 1,013,109 baht (over P1.85 million) from shops in the Samphengmarket, a popular hub in the heart of Bangkok for budget and wholesale shopping, similar to Binondo and Divisoria in Manila.
TISI is the agency in charge of enforcing product safety rules for children’s toys, which are classified as controlled products under Thai Industrial Standard No. 685.
As explained by TISI, substandard squishy toys mostly made from polyurethane and low-grade foam may carry risks from residues of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and phthalates, substances linked to cancer and endocrine disruption.
“Some squishy toys are designed to resemble food and contain added fragrance, increasing the risk that young children may put them in their mouths. This could expose them to toxic substances or create a choking or airway obstruction risk,” TISI said. “Continuous contact with or inhalation of VOCs could affect the respiratory system and trigger allergic reactions.”
Also, “the toys’ moisture-retaining material can also become a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi if not properly cleaned, potentially causing skin diseases,” TISI warned.
While squishy toys are fun and good for sensory skills, the EcoWaste Coalition advised families to purchase only FDA-authorized products checked for quality and safety. The group also advised consumers to watch out for red flags, such as poor labeling information and a strong chemical smell.
References:
https://www.nationthailand.com/news/general/40069335
https://world.thaipbs.or.th/detail/sampheng-raid-nets-uncertified-squishy-toys-worth-over-bt1-million/62247
https://www.khaosodenglish.com/news/business/2026/08/03/tisi-seizes-nearly-20000-uncertified-squishy-toys-over-chemical-safety-risks/
http://ecowastecoalition.blogspot.com/2026/06/warning-out-on-squishy-toys-as-uk.html
https://ecowastecoalition.blogspot.com/2026/05/warning-out-on-potential-hazards-of.html
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