Parents told to throw away drug-scare beads

PARENTS were yesterday urged to get rid of Chinese-made Bindeez beads as the importers tested stocks to see if the toys contain the date-rape drug GHB.

Two children in the US and three in Australia were treated in hospital after swallowing the beads, which were found to contain the chemical “1,4 butanediol”.

Inside the body the beads can release gamma-hydroxy butyrate (GHB), a drug used by rapists to stupefy and knock out their victims.

The drug, also used by bodybuilders, can also cause seizures and even death in extreme cases.

Yesterday, importer Character Options decided to recall all sets of the toys as a precaution after selling 500,000 of the kits in Ireland and Britain over the last 12 months.

Three days ago, the firm, based in Manchester, England, told Irish shops to suspend sales and advised parents to put the toys of out of reach of children.

Now the firm has decided to recall all stocks, advising parents to throw away the beads in the household rubbish and telephone for a new set.

Following consultation with Ireland’s National Consumer Agency, the importer has decided on a voluntary recall as a precaution.

“While no adverse reactions or injuries are reported, I am pleased that Character Options has taken this precaution,” said NCA chief executive Ann Fitzgerald yesterday.

“As the safety of the product cannot be absolutely guaranteed, the firm has chosen to initiate the recall.”

The firm blamed rogue batches for children falling ill in the US and Australia, adding that it does not believe stocks in Ireland or Britain are affected.

Following sales of 500,000 fun bead kits in the two jurisdictions, the NCA is trying to establish how many were sold in Ireland and from which shops.

According to Character Options, main retailers stocking Bindeez include Smyths Toys, Tesco, Debenhams, Argos and Boots.

Irish parents have also been able to buy them from the British website of online retailer Amazon.

Character Options has set up a 24-hour helpline on 0044-1616339808 for consumers who want replacement beads or have queries.

The hotline will run around the clock until November 13, after which the lines will be staffed during weekday office hours.

Calls will be charged at the standard rate to Britain between eight cent and 15c a minute from a land-line.

The importer said replacement beads will be safe and coated in a bitter substance called Bitrex, which deters children from putting the objects in their mouth.

The NCA can be contacted on 1890-432432 while safety updates can be read at www.consumerconnect.ie