Shoppers warned after ‘potentially dangerous’ Labubu dolls seized in shops

A warning has been issued to shoppers after “potentially dangerous” Labubu dolls have been seized from shops across the UK.

In recent months, the hugely popular monster-like collectable, from Chinese toy company Pop Mart, has crept into c-stores with many retailers capitalising on the viral trend.

But counterfeit Labubu-style toys with detachable parts were found on sale in Blackpool.

The city’s Trading Standards said these toys could pose a choking hazard to children and potential exposure to harmful chemicals.

Other local authorities have issued similar warnings. In Aberdeen, the council urged consumers and businesses to be alert after unsafe fake versions were seized from four shops in the city. 

Meanwhile, Norfolk Council’s Trading Standards seized over 1,000 suspected fake versions from shops last week. 

Councillor Paula Burdess, cabinet member for Blackpool Council’s community Safety, Street Scene and Neighbourhoods, said the city is seeing a rise in fake Labubus entering the market, due to the popularity. 

“In Blackpool, we are taking this issue very seriously, and our Trading Standards team is working to remove them from the marketplace and actively pursuing those responsible. In addition to breaching toy safety laws, these counterfeit products may also lead to criminal investigations for offences under the Trademarks Act.”

Blackpool Council advised shoppers that if a price seems unusually low, it may be a “red flag”.