Aqua Dots Under Scrutiny by Toys R Us Due to Reports of Contamination by a Hallucinogenic Drug

After listing Aqua Dots as one of their most highly recommended toys for the holiday season, Toys R Us stores in Canada have decided to voluntarily pull this toy from the shelves. This comes after reports that the Australian equivalent of this toy (known there as Bindeez) can release the chemical GHB (gamma-hydroxy butyrate) also known as fantasy, liquid ecstasy, or the "date rape" drug. Children who were exposed to these chemicals after swallowing a large number of beads experienced seizures and were hospitalized.

Whether the undesirable chemical is a result of the manufacturing process or intentional tampering is still under investigation. Furthermore, it is unknown whether the North American Aqua Dots, distributed by Spin Master Ltd., suffer from the same problem as the Australian analog. The Victorian Times Colonist reports that Toys R Us stores in Canada are not taking any chances and have cleared their shelves of the toy; particularly because the two toys are manufactured by the same company. The action by this company is precautionary and is not an official recall of the toy.

In a statement, Moose, the Aqua Dots manufacturer, said that following a review of ingredients used in the production of the Australian Bindeez beads, some batches did not exactly match the laboratory tested and approved formula. According to Moose, a bitter-tasting compound will be added to its beads' formulation in order to discourage children from ingesting Bindeez beads in the future. All replacement beads and new shipments will include the ingredient.

Aqua Dots has not been officially recalled in Canada or the United States, but officials might do so soon adding to an ever-growing number of toy recalls over the past several months. Most of the toy recalls to date have involved lead paint or choking hazards. This is the first toy under consideration for a recall to involve a hallucinogenic drug as a potential hazard.

Aqua Dots is a toy that consists of colored beads that can be configured in different ways to make designs (sort of like the Light Brights I remember as a child). Aqua Dots is highly anticipated as being a hot toy for the 2007 Holiday Season. In fact, WalMart and Toys R Us reported that Aqua Dots Super Studio is experiencing strong early sales.

Parents of children owning Aqua Dots toys should exercise caution while letting their children play with this toy until investigations by the manufacturers are complete. This issue is currently under consideration by the U-S Consumer Product Safety Commission pending further review over the safety issues. Parents should consult their website for updates.