Bindeez and Aqua Dots toys have been a big hit in the US, Australia, South Africa and several other nations. Recent reports claiming that they are contaminated with GHB - chemical linked to date-rape drug (a powerful sedative when swallowed) have compelled Chinese Authorities to stamp down on their exports.
The ban on exports closely follows the news that at least nine children in the US have fallen sick after swallowing the product. The craft toys consist of hundreds of brightly-colored beads that can be arranged as an artwork. Incidentally, Bindeez was named Australia’s Toy of the Year in 2007.
The beads are coated in non-toxic glue. However, a batch in Australia was tested and found covered with the industrial chemical 1,4-butanediol. If swallowed, this chemical transforms into the banned drug GHB. The manufacturer of this batch of toys wasn’t identified. Nevertheless, the incident has led to 4.2 million units being recalled in the US and another million in Australia.
The dreaded ‘date-rape drug’ is very toxic and its effects can include respiratory depression, seizers and in some cases comas. Already two kids in America reportedly slipped into comma after swallowing the toxic beads. Thankfully though, they have recovered since.
Chinese official news agency Xinhua has reported that Chinese authorities have sealed the stocks and ordered an inquiry. The incident is nothing new. In August, several Chinese toys had been recalled following allegations of lead poisoning.
Many other Chinese products have been criticized for low quality standards. Several countries have put harsh restrictions on imports from China; the Chinese products are put through increased inspections and harsher quotas. The slew of scandals has cast a blemish on the country’s image as an exporter of quality goods at cheap prices.
