Urgent warning over 'Labubu dolls' with dark hidden detail that can kill
To the bemusement of many, trend-conscious sorts have this year become obsessed with Labubu dolls - cheeky-looking, sharp-toothed plushies which can be fastened to upmarket designer handbags with ease.
The quirky bag charms have been flying off the shelves this summer, with this writer having witnessed queues around the corner at the Manchester Popmart store. It's perhaps therefore unsurprising that consumers have looked elsewhere, opting for so-called 'Lafufus' instead of the real deal.
However, those looking to get their hands on these coveted 'It girl' accessories at a snip of the price have been issued a serious warning by Trading Standards, with some counterfeit items posing a worrying health risk to children.
North East Lincolnshire Council's Trading Standards officers have now urged parents and businesses alike to keep a careful eye out for potentially dangerous imitation toys spotted on the shelves of local shops.
It's understood that these risky counterfeits contain loose parts that could well pose a choking hazard to young children. These products also don't bear the legally required safety labelling, such as the CE or UKCA mark, or the name and address of a UK-based supplier.
A number of seized products were also found to have poor quality visible stitching, with hands or feet breaking away easily.
Councillor Ron Shepherd, Portfolio Holder for Safer and Stronger Communities at North East Lincolnshire Council, has issued the following statement: 'We are issuing this urgent warning to consumers, to remain vigilant when purchasing these highly sought-after collectables and to report any concerns about the safety of toys they have bought or seen on sale to us.
'These copycat toys have been flooding the UK market and have found their way to North East Lincolnshire too. As they are often cheaper, they might seem like a bargain compared to the genuine versions; however, they can be dangerous if they have not been manufactured in accordance with stringent toy safety legislation.
'Our Trading Standards officers are constantly on the lookout for products which contravene safety legislation, and they will continue their diligent work to ensure counterfeit and unsafe products are removed from the North East Lincolnshire marketplace.'
This comes as business insurance comparison site Bionic issues a helpful guide to advise whether you're looking at a real deal Labubu, or a fake 'Lafufu'.
As previously reported by the Mirror, there are four telling factors to bear in mind:
Packaging quality - Genuine Labubus arrive in high-quality packaging with sharp printing, embossed logos, and secure seals. If the box is flimsy, or poorly printed, this is a huge red flag.
Finish and detail - Real Labubu figures have clean, precise detailing and consistent paintwork, while counterfeits will often have sloppy paint, uneven edges, or inaccurate proportions.
Branding and stamps - Look out for the official Pop Mart and Kasing Lung markings. This includes serial numbers or authenticity stamps, which are usually located on the base or packaging.
Pricing - Make sure to check out the price. If a listing is notably cheaper than market value, then you're likely not looking at an authentic product.
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