I was asked, by a concerned parent, if Play-Doh is edible and/ or is it poisonous. Play-Doh, sold by Hasbro, is made mostly of water, salt, and flour. It is not toxic. However, if a large amount is swallowed, it may cause an upset stomach. It may also be a choking hazard in children under 2 years old.
Some children have skin allergies such as itchy rashes, blisters, redness, or dry cracked skin from its use. Since it contains flour, Play-Doh can also trigger a gluten allergy. Use rice flour, almond flour, or gluten free all-purpose blend flour if there are gluten allergies and make your own with the recipe that follows.
If your child eats Play-Doh you should rinse out the child’s mouth and give him/her something to drink then brush their teeth. If someone swallows Play-Doh, gets Play-Doh in their eyes, or if you have a question about using Play-Doh safely, use the Poison Control online tool or call your poison center at 1-800-222-1222 to get free help 24 hours a day.
