Federal regulators have recalled more than 15,000 popular children's squeeze toys over serious injury hazards linked to the water beads they contain.

Two recalls have been issued: one covering Squeezy Dumplings from GIHNJSI and another covering Rainbow Mystery Squishy Buns from OKK Trading.

Both products contain water beads that could expand inside a child's body if ingested, posing a potentially deadly hazard, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) said in its notice. The toys violate the mandatory federal safety standard for toys because the water beads can expand beyond the allowable size. That standard, known as the small-parts regulation, restricts objects that could expand or fit within a child's airway or digestive tract.

"If a water bead is ingested, it can pose ingestion, choking, and intestinal obstruction hazards inside a child's body, resulting in severe discomfort, vomiting, dehydration and a risk of death to a child," the commission said. Water beads are superabsorbent polymer spheres that can grow many times their original size when exposed to liquid, which is why ingestion and even ear exposure have drawn recurring CPSC scrutiny in recent years.

About 8,000 Squeezy Dumplings are affected by the recall. They were sold online at Amazon between May and June for about $20. "SQUEEZY DUMPLINGS" and "SQUEEZE ME" are printed on the label.

Roughly 7,200 Rainbow Mystery Squishy Bun Toys are subject to the recall. These were sold at various third-party stores nationwide from May to August, with "Rainbow MYSTERY" and "SUGAR EDITION" printed on the front of the package labeling.

Both toys are translucent, round squishy balls featuring cartoon faces, glitter-like particles, and water beads on the inside. They come packaged in a tan plastic container shaped like a bamboo steamer.

The CPSC urged consumers to stop using both toys immediately and contact the appropriate company for a full refund. To obtain a refund, consumers should write "RECALLED" on the toy and its container, dispose of the product, and email a photo to the recalling company, according to the commission. The commission also asks consumers to report any incidents through its website at SaferProducts.gov, which helps regulators identify emerging hazards.

No injuries have been reported thus far in connection with either toy.

In a separate action, the commission is warning consumers to immediately stop using Squishy Bun Toys from Ivyapingdianpu and to dispose of them, saying they also violate mandatory safety standards for toys. These toys likewise contain water beads, but the retailer has not agreed to recall the product or offer a remedy to consumers despite receiving a Notice of Violation, according to the commission. Such direct warnings are a tool the CPSC uses when a firm declines to conduct a recall, leaving consumers without a refund path.

About 106 of these toys are covered by the warning. They have "SQUISHY BUN" and "Rainbow MYSTERY" printed on the front of a removable tag. They were sold online at Amazon in June 2026, but may also have been sold by various third-party sellers and on other websites.

No injuries have been reported in connection with these toys. Anyone whose child experiences injuries related to these Squishy Buns, or who notices any defects, is urged to contact the commission. Parents and caregivers may also want to check whether similar squishy toys from other online sellers contain water beads, since the hazard extends beyond the specific products named in these actions.

Source: Fox Business