What to look out for when buying slime toys after vomit chemical warning

Slime toys may contain high levels of the chemical boron, Which? has warned (Which?) Credit: Which?

Many children's slime toys have been found to contain potentially dangerous measures of a chemical that can cause vomiting and compromise fertility, according to Which?

The consumer watchdog has called for "fundamental changes" to the product safety system after testing 11 slime toys in an investigation.

One of the slime items was found to contain more than four times the amount of boron than EU safety standards permit, with eight out of the 11 products exceeding the limit.

  • Which products were tested by Which?

Which? said that Toysmith Jupiter Juice had more than four times the permitted level of boron with 1,400mg/kg.

This was followed by CCINEE Pink Fluffy Slime, which was found to contain 1,000mg/kg, and Cosoro Dodolu Crystal Slime Magic Clay, which was found to 980mg/kg, Which? added.

It said that all eight products that failed were purchased on Amazon.

One product purchased on the online marketplace, Hulk Green Halloween Slime, met the standard.

The products which did not meet the standard have since been removed from Amazon’s website.

A spokesman for the company said: “All Marketplace sellers must follow our selling guidelines and those who don’t will be subject to action including potential removal of their account. The products in question are no longer available.”

Slime from high street retailers, The Works and Smyths, which was tested also met the standard.

  • What is boron?

Compounds of boron can be used in eye drops, mild antiseptics, and washing powders.

Which? said boron is found in borax, a common ingredient in slime that helps to create its “stickiness”.

A European Union safety directive sets out how liquid or sticky toys should contain no more than 300mg/kg of boron.

The consumer champion set out to investigate whether some children’s slime products contained the recommended safe levels.

  • What is the advice from Which?

Which? said parents should be able to buy toys without being fearful that they could cause their children harm and have advised buyers to "approach children’s slime with caution."

The consumer watchdog said it has passed the findings of its investigation to the Office for Product Safety and Standards.

It also warned that parents making homemade slime should be wary when considering this option.

Some reports have suggested that youngsters have sustained injuries after trying to replicate slime recipes found online.

  • What is the Government's response?

A Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy spokesman said: “The government’s top priority is to keep people safe, which is why goods being sold in the UK must meet some of the strictest safety laws in the world.

“The evidence provided by Which? will be considered by the Office for Product Safety and Standards and (it can) take any appropriate action.”