What is wrong with these toy manufacturers?
Why would you manufacture any product, let alone one which children would use, with the chemicals used in a date rape drug?
A popular children’s toy is being pulled from Canadian store shelves over safety concerns that it may contain a chemical which converts into a so-called “date-rape” drug when swallowed, a scare that prompted Australian officials to ban a similar toy after three children were hospitalized.
Toys “R” Us in Canada said it stopped selling Chinese-made Aqua Dots as a precautionary measure after being alerted to the potential problem on Tuesday, when a similar product called Bindeez was removed from Australian store shelves.
Toronto-based Spin Master Ltd., the company which distributes Aqua Dots in North America, issued a voluntary recall of the toy Wednesday afternoon, saying it was “working to identify any shipments” that could potentially be included in a recall by U.S. and Canadian officials.
I don’t care what they are seeking to identify. One case of a child being injured in such a manner by this product is enough. Please take the time to read the article and if you have this product in your home, think about fiding the nearest trash bin and disposing of it.
Update: With thanks to reader Newton, this link will direct you to toys which should be safe for your children.
Written by Sue
Big Mo Says:
November 8th, 2007 at 11:10 amVisit Big Mo
This actually WAS on the Christmas list until I saw the item pulled in Australia, and I called my wife and said “STOP!”
Good grief. This is lesson #1 in “how to destroy your market.”
Sue Says:
November 8th, 2007 at 11:24 amVisit Sue
I don’t know Big Mo, at the rate we are going will there be anything on the list that will be deemed safe for kids anymore?
This particular “error” is extremely frightening though and I hope the word gets out to those who already have this in their homes.
newton Says:
November 9th, 2007 at 11:07 amVisit newton
That’s it! It’s clothes for the Little Fig this Christmas!
And a Radio Flyer from LL Bean.
Big Mo Says:
November 9th, 2007 at 11:23 amVisit Big Mo
Hey, Netwon! long-time no-hear!
Sue Says:
November 9th, 2007 at 11:32 amVisit Sue
Nice to hear from you Newton.
It really is sad that parents cannot trust a toy manufacturer to deliver goods safe for their children’s use.
Hope all is well with you and the rest of your family.
newton Says:
November 9th, 2007 at 11:35 amVisit newton
I finally found a link to Parenting magazine’s top 10 American-made toys.
http://www.parenting.com/parenting/article/0,19840,1653917,00.html
Hope this helps!
Oh yeah: Little Fig is close to 11 months old! She is a chatterbox! She even says “gato” (”cat”). She loves to look at books! She’s now learning to stand on her own balance, and she loves to dance to music!
When she reaches the 1 yr birthday, I’m going to cry my heart out!
Sue Says:
November 9th, 2007 at 11:59 amVisit Sue
Thanks Newton.
I’ll update the piece above in a bit with this link as there are some good things for the little ones especially.
I bet you will cry..those of us who have been there know the feeling!