Dangerous Chemical in Zhu Zhu Pet: Watchdog

Maker denies stuffed hamster contains unsafe level of antimony
By Marie Morris,  Newser Staff
Posted Dec 6, 2009 1:51 PM CST
Dangerous Chemical in Zhu Zhu Pet: Watchdog
Zhu Zhu Pet hamster is shown at an October event in New York. Zhu Zhu Pet maker Cepia LLC is refuting a charge that higher-than-allowed levels of antimony were found in the toy.    (Mark Lennihan)

The manufacturer of Zhu Zhu Pets is defending Mr. Squiggles against charges the stuffed hamster contains unsafe levels of a dangerous chemical. The robotic toys are the big hit of the holiday shopping season—or they were, before GoodGuide said one model has more than the permitted level of antimony, which the consumer advocacy group says can cause cancer and heart and lung problems.

Manufacturer Cepia LLC rejected the finding, saying a statement the toys are extensively tested for safety. "They do not contain high levels of antimony in any way," an exec told CNN. "I have been in the toy industry for more than 35 years, and being a father of children myself, I would never allow any substandard or unsafe product to hit the shelves," the CEO said in the statement. (More Zhu Zhu Pets stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X