Go Go Hamsters: safety scare latest

However, the Chairman of the Toy Retailers’ Association, Gary Grant, immediately hit back at the claims, saying the hamsters have been thoroughly tested to make sure they’re safe. “As an industry in the U.K that takes toy safety very seriously, we’re appalled by this report,” he said.

“Good Guide hasn’t tested the toys under the new government regulations and parents have absolutely no reason to be alarmed. These toys have been vigorously tested and they are completely safe and comply with European safety regulations. We’re absolutely confident that parents can give these toys to children this Christmas and there’s no reason for concern. We can only apologise for the poor report that has caused consumers to worry.”

The research was conducted on toys sold in the U.S, but these are identical to the £10 toys in Britain that are top of many children’s Christmas lists this year. The robot pets have already sold out in most shops and are selling on ebay for almost twice their retail price. Demand is so high that Tescos is restricting consumers to just two hamsters per household.

Dara O’Rourke, a professor of Environmental Science at the University of California and head of Good Guide, said multiple tests carried out on three of the toys revealed potential health risks. “The biggest danger is from a toddler or young child putting the toy in their mouth. If too much of the chemical is ingested, it could lead to cancer or other health problems.”

However, later in the week the Good Guide issued a statement admitting there had been “some confusion” over its research. It said that the methodology it used was different to the tests used in federal standards.

The makers of Go Go Hamsters strongly deny there’s any risk and say the toys are thoroughly tested and meet all U.K and U.S safety regulations. Russ Hornsby, chief executive of the firm Cepia, who make the robot toys, said in a statement, “I have been in the toy industry for more than 35 years, and being a father myself, I would never allow any substandard or unsafe product to hit the shelves. That’s why we always test to not only meet but also exceed safety standards.”

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