Toys recalled over 'date rape' drug fear

el guapo · Post by **el guapo** » Fri Nov 09, 2007 11:20 am

Toys recalled over 'date rape' drug fear

ITN - Friday, November 9 11:10 amUp to 500,000 toys are being recalled after concerns they contain a chemical that converts to a powerful "date rape" drug if ingested.

Character Group - the UK distributor has asked retailers and consumers across the UK and Ireland to return the products.

It follows reports that children in the US and Australia have been taken to hospital after swallowing the China-made beads.

They can be arranged into designs and fused together when sprayed with water but scientists have said a chemical coating on the beads, when ingested, metabolises into the gamma hydroxy butyrate (GHB).

Character Group said it believes an "unapproved formulation" might have been used in the manufacturing process.

The firm said there have been no cases of illness reported in the UK and Ireland, but said the voluntary recall was issued as a precautionary measure.

Character has shipped up to 500,000 Bindeez bead products over the year, with between 100,000 to 150,000 with retailers at the moment.

Shares in Character Group plummeted 8 per cent on the news, as it warned the situation would "inevitably" hit sales in the key pre-Christmas trading period.

Richard King, chairman of Character Group, said: "We believe that the product we have is safe, but it's going to be some time until we get results of the toxicology test reports and rather than take a chance, safety is of prime importance and therefore we have taken this precaution."

Replacement products will be sent to all consumers and retailers affected by the recall, with the new supplies available from the first week of December.

sunny104 · Post by **sunny104** » Fri Nov 09, 2007 11:22 am

they're called AQUADOTS here. Just FYI for anyone that has bought them or thinking about getting them.

sunny104 · Post by **sunny104** » Fri Nov 09, 2007 11:24 am

here's the link for info.

http://www.aquadotsrecall.com/

Sheryl · Post by **Sheryl** » Fri Nov 09, 2007 11:24 am

Hubby called yesterday, wanting me to buy some before they were all taken off the shelves. He's a dumbarse sometimes. :rolleyes: :wah:

Pheasy · Post by **Pheasy** » Fri Nov 09, 2007 11:30 am

Lucy had 2 sets of the Aquadots - which I have now disposed of. She is past the age where she would put anything like beads etc. in her mouth, but I still I obviously got rid of them.

I wonder, does anyone know, what sort effect they could have on pets? - my 2 cats and 2 dogs would eat anything!!

How did this stuff get on the shelves? Isn't there laws regarding testing and safety checks on toys etc?

YZGI · Post by **YZGI** » Fri Nov 09, 2007 12:06 pm

This is China's new version of "Death by a thousand cuts", This is just cut number four or five. Be very careful...

along-for-the-ride · Post by **along-for-the-ride** » Fri Nov 09, 2007 2:18 pm

In my opinion, something has been going on in China more than, "oops", if you know what I mean. We need to wise up, investigate, and hold someone accountable.

el guapo · Post by **el guapo** » Fri Nov 09, 2007 2:20 pm

along-for-the-ride;718029 wrote: In my opinion, something has been going on in China more than, "oops", if you know what I mean. We need to wise up, investigate, and hold someone accountable.

accountable works for the chinese,,,, i thought he worked as a teacher

along-for-the-ride · Post by **along-for-the-ride** » Fri Nov 09, 2007 2:52 pm

el guapo;718030 wrote: accountable works for the chinese,,,, i thought he worked as a teacher

Gotcha................

Tater Tazz · Post by **Tater Tazz** » Sat Nov 10, 2007 5:03 am

I had to bring them back! Bought them for my daughter for xmas.

Nomad · Post by **Nomad** » Sat Nov 10, 2007 7:25 am

Having an addictive personality my 1st thought was "gotta get me some of those" :wah: