CPSC Says Zhu Zhu Hamsters Are Safe

Dec 15 2009 UPDATE – The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has refuted a consumer group's claim that Zhu Zhu hamsters contain high levels of a potentially dangerous chemical. The agency said that the toy hasn't violated any safety standards.

Following GoodGuide's announcement that their tests found high levels of antimony in the "Mr. Squiggles" hamster, the CPSC announced that it was beginning its own investigation into the matter. Within hours, the agency said it had talked to executives at Zhu Zhu's manufacturer, Cepia, and reviewed independent testing reports that proved the toy to be safe.

GoodGuide has since issued an apology, conceding that its tests differ in methodology from those used by the federal government. Therefore, the group said, its results can't be compared to federal standards.

Zhu Zhu Hamsters Raise Safety Concerns

Dec 07 2009 ORIGINAL ALERT – Zhu Zhu hamsters, one of the hottest toys for the holidays, have come under the scrutiny of a consumer group. The group, GoodGuide, says that one of the toys contains high amounts of a potentially dangerous substance.

According to GoodGuide, the light brown hamster, "Mister Squiggles," has unsafe levels of antimony, which is used in textiles and plastics to make them flame-resistant. The federal standard for antimony is around 60 parts per million, but GoodGuide says the hamster contains 93 to 106 parts per million. Prolonged exposure to the substance can lead to lung and heart problems, ulcers, and diarrhea, says the U.S. Centers for Disease Control.

Zhu Zhu's manufacturer, Cepia LLC, said that its products have been subjected to "rigorous" testing and are in compliance with all safety regulations. GoodGuide is an organization that partners with for-profit businesses to address social and environmental problems.