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Microwave toy danger feared
Letting kids zap stuffed pets could give them the wrong idea, educator says

By Staff and Wire Reports
December 24, 2004

Today's lesson, kids, is about pets.

Rule No. 1 (and this is important): Don't put them in the microwave.

It might seem obvious, but one Colorado educator says a toy sold in some Whole Foods Markets is teaching exactly the opposite.

The contentious critters are stuffed pets called Toasty Tots. They're microwavable - not to eat, but apparently to provide warm fuzzies.

Mike McBreen, who teaches family education classes in Boulder, Colo., said the toys could give children the wrong idea. He said he has had clients whose children have put cats and dogs in the washer, dryer and oven.

"Little kids, preschoolers and kids even in first grade don't realize that you can't do things like that," he said. "It's beyond their levels of comprehension. Older kids, when they start getting into mischief, don't need any more suggestions."

A look through the Albuquerque Whole Foods Market at 5815 Wyoming Blvd. N.E. found a similar product called Warm Whiskers.

The toys - made by the Sacramento company Kits Õn Kaboodle - are filled with aromatic herbs and come in various sizes for various uses.

There are big ones made to look like dogs, cats, foxes and other creatures. They can be warmed up and used around your neck or to ease aching bones.

There are microwavable bunnies that fit over the eyelids to serve as eye pillows.

There are three-inch "pocket critters" that look like pigs, mice, ducks or other pets. Once nuked, they can serve as friendly hand warmers.

And if you stick them in the freezer, as the directions indicate, they become "boo boo buddies."

They all come with names like Fairbanks Moose, Ozzie Otter, or Doxie Dachshund.

The instructions note: Heat for 35 seconds, do not overheat, and let stand for 30 seconds.

Whole Foods is reconsidering whether to continue selling the Toasty Tots line.

Scott Simons, a regional manager of the organic foods market, said Wednesday officials will consult with buyers to determine whether the Toasty Tots products should be sold in their stores.

"We listen to our customers," Simons said. "They bring up great points, and we are a very sensitive company."

Albuquerque Whole Foods employees referred questions to the company's corporate offices, though some did call the Warm Whiskers toys "cute" and noted that it's mostly adults buying them for themselves.

Some customers said it's a parent's job to make sure children learn the proper lessons.

Speaking of lessons, this next rule's for the grown-ups:

Read product warnings, like the one on the back of the Warm Whiskers products.

"Note: Parental Supervision Advised."