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Product safety reportOPSS

Hamster Plush Toy safety warning over a choking risk

ChokingSerious risk

Product Safety Report for Hamster Plush Toy presenting a serious risk of choking.

Take it away from young children now.

  • Hamster Plush Toy: photo from the OPSS notice of 20 Jun 2025
    Product image from the OPSS safety notice

What to do now

Small parts of Hamster Plush Toy could come loose and choke a young child.

  1. Take it away from young children now.
  2. Look for loose pieces where it was used.
  3. Because the product was found unsafe on an online marketplace, use the platform’s order page to contact the seller.
  4. If you cannot reach the seller, Trading Standards can be told through Citizens Advice.

Why it matters. Children under three put things in their mouths. Anything small enough to fit through a toilet-roll tube is a choking hazard for them.

If someone has been hurt

Look out for

  • coughing, gagging or noisy breathing after playing with it

Get help urgently

  • a child who cannot breathe, cough or cry — call 999 and follow the call handler’s instructions

This is general information based on NHS public guidance, not medical advice. In an emergency call 999. For urgent advice use NHS 111 (NHS 24 on 111 in Scotland) or, in Northern Ireland, your GP or out-of-hours service.

Getting your money back

A product safety report usually means the product was bought online and the marketplace has removed the listing. Ask the seller for a refund through the platform where you bought it; many marketplaces have their own buyer protection.

If you paid by credit card and it cost over £100, Section 75 may apply; otherwise your bank may be able to raise a chargeback.

From the official notice

Published by the Office for Product Safety and Standards (2506-0113). Quoted as issued.

Summary

Product Safety Report for Hamster Plush Toy presenting a serious risk of choking.

The risk

This product presents a serious risk of choking as the eyes of the hamster can detach and fit wholly in a small parts cylinder. If a child under 3 were to use and mouth the toy, the small parts may become detached and cause the child to choke.

The product does not meet the requirements of the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011.

Action taken

The import has been rejected at the border and destroyed.

Advice to consumers

The import has been rejected at the border and destroyed.

Additional information

PSD notification number: 2506-0113

Notified by: Local Authority Trading Standards

Product description

Battery-operated plush hamster toy.

Open the OPSS notice

Questions

Why has Hamster Plush Toy been reported?

Small parts of Hamster Plush Toy could come loose and choke a young child. Children under three put things in their mouths. Anything small enough to fit through a toilet-roll tube is a choking hazard for them.

How do I know if my product is affected?

The notice describes the affected product rather than listing codes. Compare the product name, pack size and where you bought it with the official notice.

What should I do now?

Take it away from young children now. Look for loose pieces where it was used.

Can I get a refund or a repair?

A product safety report usually means the product was bought online and the marketplace has removed the listing. Ask the seller for a refund through the platform where you bought it; many marketplaces have their own buyer protection. If you paid by credit card and it cost over £100, Section 75 may apply; otherwise your bank may be able to raise a chargeback.

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