Toy recalled by European Commission over 'serious' choking risk

The European Commission has issued a recall of a squishy toy said to pose a "serious risk of choking and suffocation" to children.

The squeezable cake-shaped plaything - decorated pink and white with a strawberry on top - has been deemed by safety experts to be too easily mistaken for real food.

According to the commission, the stress-ball-like toy - manufactured in China - features small parts that can be detached and pose a choking risk, while its plastic packaging is also unsafe.

The recall states that if a child was to play with the packaging, they could cover their mouth and nose and block the airways, which may lead to suffocation.

"Due to its shape, colour, appearance and size, the product may be mistaken for foodstuff and the outer plastic packaging is too thin and too large," the full warning reads.

"Small parts can easily be detached from the product and this may lead children to put them in the mouth and choke. If a child plays with the packaging the plastic could cover the mouth and nose, blocking the airways."

According to the description on the packaging, the Squishies-branded toy is designed for children aged three and over and is available in a range of "cool designs".

The warning only relates to the cake-shaped variant.