Customs and Border Protection data shows more than 350,000 counterfeit squishy toys blocked in a three month window. The surge lines up with a viral microwave challenge that has sent children to hospital with burns. Authentic Needoh is now caught in a copycat economy driven by social media.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: Why are counterfeit Needoh toys surging now?
- A: Demand spiked after a viral microwave challenge spread on social media, prompting a copycat economy that floods the market with unsafe fakes.
- Q: What is the viral microwave challenge?
- A: It involves microwaving squishy toys like Needoh, which can cause the toys to overheat and burn children, leading to hospitalizations.
- Q: Are authentic Needoh toys safe to microwave?
- A: No. Authentic Needoh and all squishy toys are not designed for microwaving and can become dangerously hot, causing burns.