Between eight and 12 banned children’s dolls which may contain a poisonous chemical have been sold in the Exchange Ilford shopping centre.

An Ilford toyseller running a stall inside the shopping centre in High Road, Ilford, withdrew the “fruit-head” dolls from sale last week following a story in our sister paper the Barking and Dagenham Post.

The colourful toys, which have heads shaped as fruits such as strawberries or pineapples, were the subject of a Europe-wide recall more than a year ago because they contain the chemical DEHP.

Long-term exposure to the chemical can cause reproductive problems and genetic mutations.

The Ilford toyseller Rashid Suleman said: “When I saw the news on Facebook, I removed them. The display dolls I threw in the bin. I have kids also.

“I had given them to my kids and it’s not good with a chemical in it.”

A Department for Business, Innovation & Skills spokesman said it is unclear whether all the dolls contain the chemical or whether it is confined to certain batches or manufacturers.

Consumers with concerns should contact Citizens’ Advice’s consumer service on 08454 04 05 06.

A Redbridge Council spokesman said: “The council’s Trading Standards team has not had any reports that these toys are on sale however officers will be inspecting the stall and investigating immediately.”

The Exchange Ilford shopping centre did not comment.