Zhu Zhu Pet, the popular little robotic hamsters which have been designated the season's "hottest toys", have been slapped as being toxic and unsafe by the consumer group Good Guide, according to which the toy has "higher-than-allowed level of a chemical called antimony", which could cause seriously health problems in children.

Out of a possible 10, the toy was given a mere 5.2 rating by the group which insisted that its thorough review has led it to believe that the toy contains dangerous levels of tin as well.

As explained by Good Guide, antimony is a metal which has serious health effects including cancer and lung and heart troubles. All is not bleak, as the group does say that the toys contained no traces of lead, mercury, PVC, cadmium, arsenic or chromium.

On its part, the toy-maker has been quick to issue a statement asserting that the toys are completely safe and there is no reason to be worried as these have "gone through the most rigorous testing in the toy industry for consumer health and safety".

While rumors of a recall of toys is making the rounds, nothing is confirmed yet, and till then, parents will have to be the best judges of what to do.