Latest news with #KerryNicol
Scottish Sun
a day ago
- Scottish Sun
Urgent fake Labubu warning as THOUSANDS of dodgy dolls seized after flooding UK market
Trading Standards say it's now 'almost impossible' to find a legitimate Labubu on the market NO KIDDING Urgent fake Labubu warning as THOUSANDS of dodgy dolls seized after flooding UK market Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THEY are the must‑have mini-monster gripping the nation — but warning bells are ringing over fake Labubu dolls. Thousands of bargain-bin lookalikes have been seized by UK Border Force over safety concerns in recent weeks. 2 In just one month, more than 2,000 fake dolls were confiscated Credit: Bolton Council Dubbed 'Lafufus', these gleaming-eyed and fang-toothed knock-offs are often stuffed with cheap, dangerously shoddy materials that could ignite, break apart or even harm kids. The Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) warned that the fakes lack basic safety checks: no CE or UKCA marks, and parts like eyes or tiny limbs can detach and turn into choking hazards. In just one month, more than 2,000 fake dolls were confiscated from 13 stores in North Tyneside. In Scotland, North Ayrshire Trading Standards has seized over 370 dodgy dolls, while other councils in Wales and beyond are also pulling dangerous stock from shelves. The CTSI has warned that finding a legitimate Labubu doll is now "almost impossible". Kerry Nicol, external affairs manager at CTSI, said: "These dolls are fast becoming the latest must-have craze, which is being amplified by social media influencers promoting and showcasing 'unboxing' of the products on platforms such as TikTok and Instagram. "Supply and demand mean that legitimate Labubu dolls are almost impossible to find." "Parents understandably want to be able to get their hands on these toys for their children and rightly expect the toys they buy to be safe, but dangerous counterfeits are finding their way into the market, often being sold by third-party sellers on online marketplaces and from shops on the high street that have no regard for the safety of their customers. "These fake products bypass the rigorous safety checks and compliance requirements the law demands, meaning they could contain choking hazards, toxic materials, or faulty components that put children at serious risk. "Everyone involved in the supply chain - from manufacturers and fulfilment houses to sellers and marketplaces - should have a role to play in ensuring unsafe toys never reach the hands of children." Another CTSI officer warned that the chemicals in the plastic could cause lifelong damage. Christine Heemskerk, Lead Officer for Product Safety said: "A fake Labubu doll might contain hazardous chemicals in the plastic which can cause lifetime damage to a child's organs." The rise in popularity is largely due to the spotlight being shone on them by the likes of Rihanna, David Beckham, Kim Kardashian, Gemma Collins and Olivia Attwood - who all have their own fluffy accessory. A single doll can cost anywhere from £13.50 to £211 depending on the rarity of the design. The "monster elves" are sold in blind boxes, meaning consumers can't see their new doll until it is unwrapped. This clever marketing tactic designed to build suspense has been deliberately exploited by counterfeiters who are packing the boxes with cheap dupes. The fake dolls are known as Lafufus and they are flooding the global market - selling for as little as £2.99. Helen Barnham, Deputy Director of Enforcement at the Intellectual Property Office, previously told The Sun: "We're seeing criminals increasingly exploit viral toy trends, with counterfeit versions of popular products appearing within days of them going viral. How to tell a fake Labubu doll Signs to look out for according to The Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) Inspect packaging carefully – check for a UKCA or CE mark, and make sure the product lists a UK-based importer or manufacturer. Warnings and usage instructions should be present. Look for authenticity markers – genuine Pop Mart Labubu dolls feature a holographic sticker, a scannable QR code linking to the official Pop Mart website, and (on newer editions) a UV stamp on one foot. Check the product's appearance – overly vibrant colours, poor stitching, or the wrong number of teeth (authentic Labubus have nine) are signs of a fake. Be cautious of 'bargains' – counterfeit toys are often cheaper but may carry serious safety risks, including choking hazards and toxic materials. Buy from reputable retailers and avoid unfamiliar online vendors or third-party sellers on online marketplaces listings. "These counterfeit toys are unlikely to have undergone the rigorous safety testing required for genuine products and can pose serious safety risks. "Children's safety must always come first, and we encourage parents to always research products thoroughly and only purchase from trusted sources." Counterfeit products are the second biggest source of criminal income worldwide behind illegal drugs. And most counterfeit products are being imported into the UK from China, Türkiye, and Hong Kong. Labubus were created by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung and are sold exclusively by Chinese retailed Pop Mart. China has hailed the product, with its state-run paper People's Daily claiming: "Labubu's rise fuses China's strong manufacturing base with creative innovation, tapping into the emotional needs of global consumers." And in a country known for manufacturing cheap products exported worldwide, China says Labubus represent a shift from "Made in China" to "Created in China". The Sun has contacted Pop Mart for comment.
South Wales Argus
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- South Wales Argus
Fake Labubu dolls seized after Trading Standards warning
The viral plush toys – quirky fang-toothed 'monster elf' figures made popular by Chinese toymaker Pop Mart – have become a global collector's craze. This popularity has fuelled a surge in fakes, many being sold by third-party sellers via online marketplaces and local shops that are breaking the law. Trading Standards teams have seized thousands of unsafe counterfeit Labubu dolls in recent weeks. In just one month, over 2,000 were confiscated from 13 retailers in North Tyneside, with further seizures in Greater Manchester, Humberside, North Somerset, and Scotland. Many of these items were discovered after tip-offs from concerned parents. Counterfeit or fake Labubu dolls are poorly made and unsafe. Many contain small, detachable parts such as eyes, hands, and feet, which present a serious choking hazard to young children. Loose stitching and exposed stuffing further increase the risk of suffocation. These fakes often breach the UK's Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011, lacking CE or UKCA safety markings, importer details, and required safety warnings. Without proper safety checks, they may also contain toxic substances such as lead, harmful dyes, or banned plasticisers. How to spot a fake Labubu Genuine Pop Mart Labubu dolls have a distinctive elf-like design and include authenticity features such as a holographic POP MART sticker, a scannable QR code linking to the official Pop Mart website, and - on newer editions - a subtle UV stamp on one foot. Signs of a fake include overly vibrant colours and an incorrect teeth count, with authentic Labubus having nine. These markers are commonly missing or poorly replicated on counterfeit versions. Kerry Nicol, External Affairs Manager at The Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI), says: 'These dolls are fast becoming the latest must have craze, which is being amplified by social media influencers promoting and showcasing 'unboxing' of the products on platforms such as TikTok and Instagram. Supply and demand means that legitimate Labubu dolls are almost impossible to find. 'Parents understandably want to be able to get their hands on these toys for their children and rightly expect the toys they buy to be safe, but dangerous counterfeits are finding their way into the market, often being sold by third-party sellers on online marketplaces and from shops on the high street that have no regard for the safety of their customers. 'These fake products bypass the rigorous safety checks and compliance requirements the law demands, meaning they could contain choking hazards, toxic materials, or faulty components that put children at serious risk. "Everyone involved in the supply chain – from manufacturers and fulfilment houses to sellers and marketplaces should have a role to play in ensuring unsafe toys never reach the hands of children.' Recommended reading: What to do if you think you have bought a fake Labubu Inspect packaging carefully – check for a UKCA or CE mark, and make sure the product lists a UK-based importer or manufacturer. Warnings and usage instructions should be present. Look for authenticity markers – genuine Pop Mart Labubu dolls feature a holographic sticker, a scannable QR code linking to the official Pop Mart website, and (on newer editions) a UV stamp on one foot. Check the product's appearance – overly vibrant colours, poor stitching, or the wrong number of teeth (authentic Labubus have nine) are signs of a fake. Be cautious of 'bargains' – counterfeit toys are often cheaper but may carry serious safety risks, including choking hazards and toxic materials. Buy from reputable retailers and avoid unfamiliar online vendors or third-party sellers on online marketplaces listings. If members of the public are concerned or would like advice, they can contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133 (England and Wales). In Scotland, contact Advice Direct Scotland on 0808 164 6000, or for Northern Ireland call Consumerline on 0300 123 6262. Christine Heemskerk, CTSI Lead Officer for Product Safety, says: "Fake dolls are poorly made in unsafe manufacturing premises.. Counterfeiters do not follow safety standards and are unlikely to have good factory controls in place. "A fake Labubu doll might contain hazardous chemicals in the plastic which can cause lifetime damage to a child's organs. Small parts such as eyes could easily a serious choking hazard for small children. Beware of putting your child at risk by buying cheap unsafe fakes." Jerry Burnie, Head of Toy Safety at British Toy and Hobby Association (BTHA), adds: 'Counterfeit toys are a significant risk as they are unlikely to meet the strict toy safety standards required of the legitimate toy maker. "When shopping for branded items we would always recommend researching the toy brand and try to buy from the company directly or through a reputable retailer who you can easily return the product to. "If you are buying online, particularly through an online marketplace, then include the name of the toy company in the search and compare the listing against the toy company's own website.' The risk for shops and online sellers selling fake Labubus With the Labubu craze showing no signs of slowing, businesses and collectors alike must stay informed and protected. Laura Court-Jones, Small Business editor at Bionic, says: 'The rise in counterfeit Labubu figures doesn't just affect collectors, it's a serious risk to businesses as well. 'Stocking or selling fakes, even unintentionally, can damage customer trust and hurt your brand reputation. That's why it's crucial to source responsibly and consider insurance to help protect against damage or theft due to insured events." How to insure your Labubu amid a rise in theft cases With Labubu figures flying off shelves and becoming increasingly rare, a rise in theft has followed. Originally designed as quirky handbag accessories, they've now become so coveted that a TikTok trend jokes about people handing over their entire bag to a thief, but keeping the Labubu.
Glasgow Times
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Fake Labubu dolls seized after Trading Standards warning
The viral plush toys – quirky fang-toothed 'monster elf' figures made popular by Chinese toymaker Pop Mart – have become a global collector's craze. This popularity has fuelled a surge in fakes, many being sold by third-party sellers via online marketplaces and local shops that are breaking the law. Trading Standards teams have seized thousands of unsafe counterfeit Labubu dolls in recent weeks. In just one month, over 2,000 were confiscated from 13 retailers in North Tyneside, with further seizures in Greater Manchester, Humberside, North Somerset, and Scotland. Many of these items were discovered after tip-offs from concerned parents. Counterfeit or fake Labubu dolls are poorly made and unsafe. Many contain small, detachable parts such as eyes, hands, and feet, which present a serious choking hazard to young children. Loose stitching and exposed stuffing further increase the risk of suffocation. These fakes often breach the UK's Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011, lacking CE or UKCA safety markings, importer details, and required safety warnings. Without proper safety checks, they may also contain toxic substances such as lead, harmful dyes, or banned plasticisers. How to spot a fake Labubu Genuine Pop Mart Labubu dolls have a distinctive elf-like design and include authenticity features such as a holographic POP MART sticker, a scannable QR code linking to the official Pop Mart website, and - on newer editions - a subtle UV stamp on one foot. Signs of a fake include overly vibrant colours and an incorrect teeth count, with authentic Labubus having nine. These markers are commonly missing or poorly replicated on counterfeit versions. Kerry Nicol, External Affairs Manager at The Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI), says: 'These dolls are fast becoming the latest must have craze, which is being amplified by social media influencers promoting and showcasing 'unboxing' of the products on platforms such as TikTok and Instagram. Supply and demand means that legitimate Labubu dolls are almost impossible to find. 'Parents understandably want to be able to get their hands on these toys for their children and rightly expect the toys they buy to be safe, but dangerous counterfeits are finding their way into the market, often being sold by third-party sellers on online marketplaces and from shops on the high street that have no regard for the safety of their customers. 'These fake products bypass the rigorous safety checks and compliance requirements the law demands, meaning they could contain choking hazards, toxic materials, or faulty components that put children at serious risk. "Everyone involved in the supply chain – from manufacturers and fulfilment houses to sellers and marketplaces should have a role to play in ensuring unsafe toys never reach the hands of children.' Recommended reading: What to do if you think you have bought a fake Labubu Inspect packaging carefully – check for a UKCA or CE mark, and make sure the product lists a UK-based importer or manufacturer. Warnings and usage instructions should be present. Look for authenticity markers – genuine Pop Mart Labubu dolls feature a holographic sticker, a scannable QR code linking to the official Pop Mart website, and (on newer editions) a UV stamp on one foot. Check the product's appearance – overly vibrant colours, poor stitching, or the wrong number of teeth (authentic Labubus have nine) are signs of a fake. Be cautious of 'bargains' – counterfeit toys are often cheaper but may carry serious safety risks, including choking hazards and toxic materials. Buy from reputable retailers and avoid unfamiliar online vendors or third-party sellers on online marketplaces listings. If members of the public are concerned or would like advice, they can contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133 (England and Wales). In Scotland, contact Advice Direct Scotland on 0808 164 6000, or for Northern Ireland call Consumerline on 0300 123 6262. Christine Heemskerk, CTSI Lead Officer for Product Safety, says: "Fake dolls are poorly made in unsafe manufacturing premises.. Counterfeiters do not follow safety standards and are unlikely to have good factory controls in place. "A fake Labubu doll might contain hazardous chemicals in the plastic which can cause lifetime damage to a child's organs. Small parts such as eyes could easily a serious choking hazard for small children. Beware of putting your child at risk by buying cheap unsafe fakes." Jerry Burnie, Head of Toy Safety at British Toy and Hobby Association (BTHA), adds: 'Counterfeit toys are a significant risk as they are unlikely to meet the strict toy safety standards required of the legitimate toy maker. "When shopping for branded items we would always recommend researching the toy brand and try to buy from the company directly or through a reputable retailer who you can easily return the product to. "If you are buying online, particularly through an online marketplace, then include the name of the toy company in the search and compare the listing against the toy company's own website.' The risk for shops and online sellers selling fake Labubus With the Labubu craze showing no signs of slowing, businesses and collectors alike must stay informed and protected. Laura Court-Jones, Small Business editor at Bionic, says: 'The rise in counterfeit Labubu figures doesn't just affect collectors, it's a serious risk to businesses as well. 'Stocking or selling fakes, even unintentionally, can damage customer trust and hurt your brand reputation. That's why it's crucial to source responsibly and consider insurance to help protect against damage or theft due to insured events." How to insure your Labubu amid a rise in theft cases With Labubu figures flying off shelves and becoming increasingly rare, a rise in theft has followed. Originally designed as quirky handbag accessories, they've now become so coveted that a TikTok trend jokes about people handing over their entire bag to a thief, but keeping the Labubu.
Leader Live
3 days ago
- Leader Live
Fake Labubu dolls seized after Trading Standards warning
The viral plush toys – quirky fang-toothed 'monster elf' figures made popular by Chinese toymaker Pop Mart – have become a global collector's craze. This popularity has fuelled a surge in fakes, many being sold by third-party sellers via online marketplaces and local shops that are breaking the law. Trading Standards teams have seized thousands of unsafe counterfeit Labubu dolls in recent weeks. In just one month, over 2,000 were confiscated from 13 retailers in North Tyneside, with further seizures in Greater Manchester, Humberside, North Somerset, and Scotland. Many of these items were discovered after tip-offs from concerned parents. Counterfeit or fake Labubu dolls are poorly made and unsafe. Many contain small, detachable parts such as eyes, hands, and feet, which present a serious choking hazard to young children. Loose stitching and exposed stuffing further increase the risk of suffocation. These fakes often breach the UK's Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011, lacking CE or UKCA safety markings, importer details, and required safety warnings. Without proper safety checks, they may also contain toxic substances such as lead, harmful dyes, or banned plasticisers. Genuine Pop Mart Labubu dolls have a distinctive elf-like design and include authenticity features such as a holographic POP MART sticker, a scannable QR code linking to the official Pop Mart website, and - on newer editions - a subtle UV stamp on one foot. Signs of a fake include overly vibrant colours and an incorrect teeth count, with authentic Labubus having nine. These markers are commonly missing or poorly replicated on counterfeit versions. Kerry Nicol, External Affairs Manager at The Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI), says: 'These dolls are fast becoming the latest must have craze, which is being amplified by social media influencers promoting and showcasing 'unboxing' of the products on platforms such as TikTok and Instagram. Supply and demand means that legitimate Labubu dolls are almost impossible to find. 'Parents understandably want to be able to get their hands on these toys for their children and rightly expect the toys they buy to be safe, but dangerous counterfeits are finding their way into the market, often being sold by third-party sellers on online marketplaces and from shops on the high street that have no regard for the safety of their customers. 'These fake products bypass the rigorous safety checks and compliance requirements the law demands, meaning they could contain choking hazards, toxic materials, or faulty components that put children at serious risk. "Everyone involved in the supply chain – from manufacturers and fulfilment houses to sellers and marketplaces should have a role to play in ensuring unsafe toys never reach the hands of children.' Recommended reading: If members of the public are concerned or would like advice, they can contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133 (England and Wales). In Scotland, contact Advice Direct Scotland on 0808 164 6000, or for Northern Ireland call Consumerline on 0300 123 6262. Christine Heemskerk, CTSI Lead Officer for Product Safety, says: "Fake dolls are poorly made in unsafe manufacturing premises.. Counterfeiters do not follow safety standards and are unlikely to have good factory controls in place. "A fake Labubu doll might contain hazardous chemicals in the plastic which can cause lifetime damage to a child's organs. Small parts such as eyes could easily a serious choking hazard for small children. Beware of putting your child at risk by buying cheap unsafe fakes." Jerry Burnie, Head of Toy Safety at British Toy and Hobby Association (BTHA), adds: 'Counterfeit toys are a significant risk as they are unlikely to meet the strict toy safety standards required of the legitimate toy maker. "When shopping for branded items we would always recommend researching the toy brand and try to buy from the company directly or through a reputable retailer who you can easily return the product to. "If you are buying online, particularly through an online marketplace, then include the name of the toy company in the search and compare the listing against the toy company's own website.' With the Labubu craze showing no signs of slowing, businesses and collectors alike must stay informed and protected. Laura Court-Jones, Small Business editor at Bionic, says: 'The rise in counterfeit Labubu figures doesn't just affect collectors, it's a serious risk to businesses as well. 'Stocking or selling fakes, even unintentionally, can damage customer trust and hurt your brand reputation. That's why it's crucial to source responsibly and consider insurance to help protect against damage or theft due to insured events." With Labubu figures flying off shelves and becoming increasingly rare, a rise in theft has followed. Originally designed as quirky handbag accessories, they've now become so coveted that a TikTok trend jokes about people handing over their entire bag to a thief, but keeping the Labubu.
North Wales Live
17-07-2025
- Business
- North Wales Live
Asda fined £640,000 for selling out-of-date food at stores in Wales
Asda has been hit with a £640,000 penalty for selling expired food at two of its Welsh outlets. Trading Standards inspectors discovered 115 items, some more than a fortnight past their sell-by date, at Asda's Leckwith and Pentwyn branches in Cardiff. The supermarket giant faced four charges connected to the sale of expired food products following four separate inspections by food safety officials during 2024. A visit to the Leckwith store on January 17 of that year found 36 out of date items, including five tubs of spicy mayo dip seven days out of date, reports PA. A visit to the Pentwyn store in the Cardiff Gate retail park on March 25 found 25 outdated items, while another visit to the store a month later found 48 items, including some that were 12 days out of date. A second visit to the Leckwith store on May 8 found a further six out of date items. Asda was given a fine of £640,000 and ordered to pay £15,115 in costs and a £2,000 surcharge. Asda said the prosecution related to food safety breaches that took place last year, when a different date code checking process was in use. An updated process that had been in place since November 24 involved daily manual checks on all short-life products and twice-weekly checks on every long-life product. An Asda spokesman said: "We regret that out-of-date food was found on sale at two of our Cardiff stores last year and accept that our usual high standards were not upheld. "Since then, we have introduced a new date code checking process across all our stores, whereby every short-life product is checked daily so that customers can always buy the freshest products." Kerry Nicol, external affairs manager at the Chartered Trading Standards Institute, said: "Supermarkets have a legal and moral responsibility to ensure that food on their shelves is safe and within its use by date. "Selling food past its use by date not only breaches consumer protection laws but also risks public health and undermines trust. Trading Standards teams across the country play a vital role in monitoring compliance and taking action where necessary. "We urge all retailers to prioritise robust stock management and quality assurance processes to ensure consumers are protected and confidence in the food supply chain is maintained."
