logo
Troubling warning to parents over fake Labubu dolls in UK as thousands of toys risk ‘chemical exposure'

Troubling warning to parents over fake Labubu dolls in UK as thousands of toys risk ‘chemical exposure'

The Irish Sun5 days ago
PARENTS have been warned about fake Labubu dolls hitting the UK shore as they could pose a serious harm.
A Welsh council has issued a warning after discovering counterfeit toys in Pontypridd.
2
Parents have been warned over fake Labubus sold in the UK
Credit: rctcbc.gov
2
The counterfeit toys didn't pass safety tests
Credit: Facebook/Rhondda Cynon Taf Council
After mammoth success overseas, the Labubu craze has now made its way to the UK.
A single Labubu, a plushie designed by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung, can cost anywhere from £13.50
A blind box of six from Pop Mart will set you back a whopping £105.
Meanwhile, the counterfeit Labubus were being sold for as little as £2.99 and £3.99.
read more on news
Rhondda
Cynon Taf Council
has seized more than 32 keyrings and 95 boxes of these fake dolls.
Safety risk
It was discovered that the toys lacked essential safety testing that guarantees they adhere to regulations.
Rhian Hope, Head of Public Protection and Regulatory Services at Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, told
"These counterfeit toys can seem like a bargain compared with trying to source the genuine toy, especially when they are a much-sought-after item, but they are potentially dangerous.
Most read in The Sun
"Counterfeit toys can potentially pose significant dangers to young children such as chemical exposure and choking hazards.
"These products routinely lack proper safety testing and we encourage anyone concerned about the safety of toys they've purchased to get in touch with us via Consumer Advice."
I snagged one of the viral Labubu dolls in Dublin store and unboxing was a huge success
The council has warned parents that unauthorised electrical toys can result in fires or electrocution while toxic materials can cause burns and serious injury.
Bargain hunters should also be aware that phoney and cheap toys can shatter and create injuries or choking risks.
Councillor Bob Harris, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Communities, said: "These counterfeiters are cashing in on the latest craze and prioritising profit over safety.
"As well as infringing the genuine product's trademark, they are not carrying out the required testing to ensure the product is safe."
How to spot a fake Labubu
Packaging:
Real Labubu's come in a box with a matte finish and smooth feel.
QR code:
Newer Labubu's have a QR code that takes you to Pop Mart's website and confirm if they're real or fake
Features:
Real Labubu's have ears that point slightly inward, nine teeth, bright and lively eyes (not closed) and pale, peachy faces.
Quality:
Real Labubu's have soft fur and seamless stitching.
Foot stamp:
Labubu's have a Pop Mart logo on their right foot
UKCA/CE Mark
: MOST IMPORTANT - there should be UKCA/CE mark on the product itself (unless too small - in which case must be supplied with the item, e.g. on box) and there needs to be a name of importer into the UK (i.e. a UK on the label).
Source:
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council
Businesses face legal action
The council's Trading Standards division has already confiscated the counterfeit goods and will destroy them.
Firms found selling the fake Labubus risk facing legal action if they don't stop immediately.
Harris continued: "Enforcement is always a last resort, that is only undertaken when we believe a law has been broken that would cause harm to the public.
"But the message is clear: if you are found selling these items, we will take action!"
Parents have been advised to buy only from trusted, verified merchants to avoid risks to health.
The Sun has reached out to Pop Mart for a comment.
Where to buy Labubu
?
Labubu dolls are sold on
Among these are London's famous Oxford Street, as well as Westfield shopping centres and Manchester's Chinatown district.
Pop Mart is a Chinese toy retailer, known for its collectible designer
models
that are often sold in a blind box format, meaning you don't know what you've got until you've opened it.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Harry & William's cousin Rosie Roche's tragic cause of death revealed after she died at home while packing for trip away
Harry & William's cousin Rosie Roche's tragic cause of death revealed after she died at home while packing for trip away

The Irish Sun

time42 minutes ago

  • The Irish Sun

Harry & William's cousin Rosie Roche's tragic cause of death revealed after she died at home while packing for trip away

A CORONER has revealed the cause of death of the 20-year-old cousin of Princes William and Harry. Rosie Roche, the granddaughter of Princess Diana 's uncle, was discovered dead by her mum and sister at her family home on July 14. 4 Rosie Roche was discovered with a firearm near her Credit: Facebook 4 The 20-year-old is a cousin of William and Harry Credit: Getty 4 Princess Diana with her aunt, Mary Roche (centre), Rosie's grandmother Rosie was found with a firearm near her at the property in Norton, Wiltshire. The English Literature student was discovered in the house after she had been packing to go away with friends. Opening an inquest at Revealing the cause of death, Mr Davies said that Rosie had died from a gunshot wound to her head. Read more in Royals He added: "Rosie was getting ready to go away with friends and was packing her belongings at home. "Philippa, her mum, and Agatha, her sister, were outside and then they returned inside the home address. "Upon checking the office in the house, Agatha found Rosie deceased and she was slumped over a firearm with significant head trauma. "The ambulance attended and confirmed the death at 1.22pm that day. Most read in Royals "Police attended and have deemed the death as non-suspicious and there was no third-party involvement. "A post-mortem was carried out by Dr Harry Haynes from Great Western Hospital and provided the cause of death as being destruction of intercranial contents and discharge from a firearm." The inquest has now been adjourned until October 25. Mr Davies added: "Again, as stated, and confirmation that blood and urine has been sent for toxicological analysis. Prince Harry follows in mum Princess Diana's footsteps as he walks among landmines in Angola "I'm now going to adjourn this inquest in order to gather pertinent evidence in this case. "I will adjourn the matter to October 23 for a pre-inquest review on that date." Her family paid tribute in a death notification, writing: 'Darling daughter of Hugh and Pippa, incredible sister to Archie and Agatha, Granddaughter to Derek and Rae Long.' Professor Wendy Powers, Principal of Durham's University College, said: 'University College staff and students are extremely saddened by the tragic death of Rosie Roche. 'Rosie was a first-year student studying for an English Literature degree. Rosie had settled into the University and College beautifully and had lots of friends. 'She was loved for her creativity, energy, her love of books, poetry and travel among many other talents. She will be sorely missed. 'Our thoughts and condolences are with Rosie's family and friends, and we are offering support to those affected at this extremely difficult time'. It comes after Katy Skerrett, senior coroner for Gloucestershire, had recorded a narrative verdict and said Both Rosie's family and a spokesman for Prince William declined to comment. 4 Emergency services at the address in Wiltshire Credit: SWNS You're Not Alone EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide It doesn't discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers. It's the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes. And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women. Yet it's rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now. That is why The Sun launched the You're Not Alone campaign. The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives. Let's all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support: CALM, Heads Together, HUMEN Mind, Papyrus, Samaritans,

Gardai launch probe into alleged assault in Dublin estate amid ‘unusual activity' witness appeal & social media plea
Gardai launch probe into alleged assault in Dublin estate amid ‘unusual activity' witness appeal & social media plea

The Irish Sun

time2 hours ago

  • The Irish Sun

Gardai launch probe into alleged assault in Dublin estate amid ‘unusual activity' witness appeal & social media plea

GARDAI are investigating an alleged assault that took place in a south Dublin estate. The alleged assault is reported to have occurred at Parkhill Lawns, Kilnamanagh, According to Footage circulation on social media shows the man seriously injured with bruises to his face. It has been claimed on social media that the man was attacked by a group of youths while walking in the area. Cops asked for people not post or reshare Read more in News They are also appealing to anyone who may have witnessed "any unusual activity" to come forward. A garda spokesperson said: "Gardaí are investigating an alleged assault that occurred at Parkhill Lawns, Kilnamanagh, Dublin 24 on the evening of Saturday 19th July, 2025 at approximately 6pm. "Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed this incident to come forward. Most read in The Irish Sun "Any person, including Gardai also urged to those who witness "any unseal activity" in the area to contact Tallaght Street Garda Station. They added: "Anyone who observed any unusual activity and/or anyone with information is asked to contact Tallaght Street Garda Station on (01) 666 6000, the Garda Confidential line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station. "An Garda Síochána is appealing to people to not post or reshare social media content including footage related to this incident in order to protect the privacy of the victim involved. "Investigations are ongoing." For the latest news on this story keep checking back at the Irish Sun Online, where we will bring you live updates as soon as they happen, before anyone else. Like us on Facebook at , and follow us from our main X account at @ is your go to destination for the best celebrity news, football news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video. 1 Gardai have urged anyone with information to come forward Credit: Garrett White

Brit mum arrested with son, 6, for ‘smuggling £1.6m of drugs in Mauritius' launches fundraiser & claims ‘I was coerced'
Brit mum arrested with son, 6, for ‘smuggling £1.6m of drugs in Mauritius' launches fundraiser & claims ‘I was coerced'

The Irish Sun

time2 hours ago

  • The Irish Sun

Brit mum arrested with son, 6, for ‘smuggling £1.6m of drugs in Mauritius' launches fundraiser & claims ‘I was coerced'

A BRIT mum-of-two accused of trying to smuggle £1.6million of drugs into Mauritius inside her son's suitcase has claimed she was coerced. Natashia Artug, 35, allegedly stuffed 24 packages of cannabis weighing 14kg Advertisement 9 Natashia Artug has been arrested in Mauritius Credit: Facebook 9 She has been held along with her partner Florian Lisman Credit: Facebook 9 Shannon Holness is pictured at court last month after allegedly being involved in the plot Credit: 9 Shona Campbell arrives at court arrested as part of the alleged plot Credit: The mum from Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, was held along with seven other people accused of trying to smuggle a total of 161kg into the tropical island in the Indian Ocean. The lad was picked up by customs officials when the group landed at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Airport last month. The boy was initially held by Mauritian cops but has since been released and is now back in the UK with his father. Natashia is said to be 'vulnerable' and claims she was coerced into travelling to Mauritius by drug traffickers who threatened her family. Advertisement Read more on Brit 'drug mules' Nonprofit group Justice Abroad said she did not know the bags contained cannabis. She has launched a crowdfunder appealing for £5,000 to fight the serious charges. Drug convictions in Mauritius can result in a mammoth 45-year jail sentence. Natashia's partner Florian Lisman, 38 from Romania, was also arrested and was said to be carrying 32 bags of drugs, an iPhone and £260 in his luggage. Advertisement Most read in The Sun The other Brits arrested included Laura Kappen, 28, a bar worker from Orton Goldhay, Cambs, Shannon Holness, 29, a caterer, from Bretton, Cambs, Shona Campbell, 33, a cleaner from Standground, Cambs, Lily Watson, a caterer from Peterborough, Cambs, and window fitter Patrick Wilsdon, 21, also from Peterborough. Each suspect was travelling on the British Airways flight from Gatwick with an Apple AirTag which is used to track an item's location. Justice Abroad claim these were used by a trafficking gang to keep tabs on the group's movements with the drugs shipment. Authorities on Mauritius branded the Advertisement They added: "This is one of the most revolting cases we have encountered in recent years." The drugs cache was found during a joint operation by the Customs Anti-Narcotics Section (CANS) and the Anti-Drug & Smuggling Unit (ADSU) at the airport. 9 Natashia is said to be 'vulnerable' and claims she was coerced Credit: Facebook 9 Shannon Holness, a caterer, was arrested at the airport Credit: Facebook Advertisement 9 Drug convictions in Mauritius can result in a mammoth 45-year jail sentence Credit: Alamy Justice Abroad said Natashia suffers from fibromyalgia and is currently attending university. They added: "This case raises serious concerns about the exploitation of a young mother by a criminal gang. "She now faces criminal trial in Mauritius separated from her children and without the resources to mount an adequate defence and to put together the evidence of the duress and exploitation." Advertisement Accused Patrick's mother Carly Wilsdon previously said her son had just started work as a window fitter in Peterborough and had gone to Mauritius after being offered a 'free holiday'. It was only the second time he had been abroad in his life. She said: 'He was told it was a free holiday. He wouldn't have known what he was doing because he wouldn't get involved in drugs. 'The person who told them about this free holiday is one of his circle of friends but now he has disappeared. Advertisement 'He told them that he had been before and that they would meet someone there. There was no mention of drugs. 'It is so hard. He could be looking at 30 years. He has never been in trouble and only been abroad once before. 'I missed a call from him on the day they arrived. I thought it was to show me the apartment. I can't believe what's happened.' 9 The boy was initially held by Mauritian cops but has since been released Credit: Facebook Advertisement 9 Each suspect was travelling on the British Airways flight from Gatwick with an Apple AirTag Credit: Facebook Speaking outside her home last month, a relative of Laura Kappen said: 'She is not a bad kid. She's never done anything wrong in her life but I guess she has done something foolish. Someone must have enticed them with money.' A relative of Shona Campbell said: 'It is really difficult. She's got two little kids and they don't know. It's horrible.' The shocking arrests come amid a spate of Brits accused of drug smuggling around the world. Advertisement The 19-year-old from Billingham, County Durham, She says she was coerced by a brutal trafficking gang who allegedly burned her with an iron and Bella claims she was duped into transporting the drugs by the Thailand-based gang – but prosecutors argue Advertisement In Sri Lanka, The 21-year-old former air stewardess from South London, denies the allegations but was reportedly caught with 46kg of the substance packed into her suitcases. If convicted, she could be handed a 25-year prison sentence in a country known for its tough anti-drug stance. And a Advertisement Police said they were flagged for their 'nervous and evasive attitude' and are now in jail facing serious trafficking charges. Lee Adams, who went missing on Mauritius, was arrested on May 24 on suspicion of smuggling £110,000 worth of cannabis into the East African nation. Lee, 40, from Yardley, Birmingham, was intercepted as he arrived at the airport and customs officers found 5.75 kilos of cannabis concealed in his suitcase. According to local news reports Adams, who was confronted with the evidence during an interrogation, admitted his role and was arrested on the spot. Advertisement Investigators immediately launched a "controlled delivery" operation on the holiday island and two suspected accomplices, both believed to be British, were also arrested. An investigation has been launched and the trio remain in custody. Spate of Brit drug arrests worldwide A SLEW of drug mule cases invovling Brits have emerged in the last few weeks In April-May, The 18-year-old was sent to the brutal Women's Penitentiary No. 5 in the town of Rustavi - She had originally jetted to the Philippines to meet an old friend, but reportedly A sentence ranging from 20 years to life could be a possibility for teen Bella from County Durham, according to prosecutors. Meanwhile, former air stewardess Her two suitcases were said to have been stuffed with 46kg of a synthetic cannabis strain known as kush — which is 25 times more potent than opioid fentanyl. If found guilty, South Londoner Charlotte could face a 25-year sentence. Meanwhile, a young mum is being detained in Germany for allegedly smuggling cannabis in her bags on a flight from Thailand - in yet another shocking case. Glamorous Cameron Bradford, 21, from Knebworth, Herts, was detained at Munich Airport on April 21 as she tried to collect her luggage. It comes as a Brit couple claiming to be tourists from Thailand have been busted with more than 33kg of cannabis in their suitcases at a Spanish airport. The pair were picked out by suspicious cops at Valencia Airport after displaying a 'nervous and evasive attitude' and are now behind bars on drug trafficking charges. Experts told The Sun how wannabe Brit Insta stars are being lured by cruel gangs into carting drugs across the world.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store