Washington, D.C. – The Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued a statement today regarding health risks posed by Zhu Zhu Pets.   One website claimed yesterday that the cute hamsters exceed federal limits on the toxic substance antimony and may cause health problems for children.

Zhu Zhu Pets have been the hottest toy of the 2009 Holiday season where online auctioneers have been selling the toys for five to six times their $10 retail price.  

CPSC is working especially hard this time of year to ensure that toys are safe for all children. The agency is proactively evaluating certain toys and we are working with consumer groups to test toys that have been brought to our attention. Parents should know that there is a new child safety law that went into place this year that: 1) lowers lead in toys to some of the lowest levels in the world, 2) bans certain phthalates from toys, and 3) puts federal limits on heavy metals like antimony from being in surface coatings on toys. CPSC is looking into the Zhu Zhu pet toy and we will complete our review swiftly. With new safety measures in place for children and toy recalls down from previous years, consumers can have greater confidence when shopping this year and in the CPSC.