FDA: Fidget spinners can do more harm than good

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned the public against the potential health hazards posed by fidget spinners, especially to children.

Citing reported incidents, the FDA said in an advisory that fidget spinners — small, ball-bearing devices that users can rotate between their fingers — might lead to choking incidents.

Described as stress-relieving toys which can help people focus, the fidget spinners are being touted as a breakthrough for children with ADHD, autism, anxiety and stress.

However, the FDA said that there was no study regarding the efficacy or safety of these toys.

“The US Consumer Product Safety Commission is actually investigating them over concerns about choking incidents. One report said that a 10-year-old girl (Britton Janiec) in Texas accidentally dislodged one of the toy’s bearings which got stuck in her esophagus, later requiring surgery for removal,” it added.

“Consumers are advised to report [any] unfortunate events [about the use of] the product,” the FDA said.