Potatoes

Potatoes contain a toxic compound that is poisonous to hamsters. It is a less commonly known fact that potatoes produce compounds called glycoalkaloids. These have shown to be toxic to both man and animals. All parts of the plant contain Solanine, the leaves, and stems contain naturally high levels of glycoalkaloids. The tubers when exposed to light will begin to turn green and increase Glycoalkaloids production. This green is produced from Chlorophyll: Chlorophyll is harmless, but is an indication that Solanine levels are greater than normal. Only cooking at high temperatures will destroy most of these toxins, and render them harmless, this is the reason raw potatoes should never be fed to a hamster.

Glycoalkaloids are more concentrated in the green area of the potatoes and just under the skin. Greened potatoes are often higher in Solanine than those not green. The bitter taste associated with greened potatoes is caused by the Solanine.
Once cooked, the potatoes can safely be fed to hamsters.
Symptoms: of solanine toxicity in humans. Hypothermia, paralysis, shock, slowed breathing rate, dilated pupils, stomach or abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Potatoes that contain more than 0.1% Solanine (01 oz / 10 oz potato) are considered unfit for human consumption.