Warning over 'dangerous' and fake Labubu dolls

People are being warned against buying fake and "dangerous" Labubu dolls by trading standards officers.

The elf-like creatures from Chinese toy maker Pop Mart soared in popularity last year, but counterfeit versions are appearing.

Sasha Watson, community engagement officer at Suffolk Trading Standards, said she was receiving reports of them being sold across the county in convenience stores.

She warned that parts of the toys posed a choking hazard while some were also filled with harmful chemicals.

"The real ones are called Labubu, this one is known as a Lafufu because it's what people have named the counterfeit ones," she said.

"The counterfeit ones have become a little bit collectible now as well, but they are dangerous."

Hundreds of the counterfeit toys are being seized by councils across the country.

"We have had colleagues across the country test them for chemicals and they have got high rates of phthalates which can cause cancer as well as damage the reproductive system of children," Ms Watson added.

"The only place you can buy Labubu is from the licensed manufacturer which is Pop Mart.

"They are very hard to get hold of which is why the counterfeits have blown up."

Genuine versions of the doll can sell for about £30 while the counterfeit versions were going for £10-£20, according to Ms Watson.

She said you could tell the difference between the real and fake ones based on their quality and feel.

"If you are a retailer and you are stocking them, take them off the shelves because we are checking and we will seize them," she continued.

"If you have bought them we please ask take them out the reach of children - they are dangerous, they have got high chemical levels in them and they have choking hazards.

"So they should not be accessed by anyone under the age of three."

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