Aqua Dots Confiscated at the Borders

Eddie Farah

Attorney
(866) 735-1102 Ext 415

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While in Australia, they are celebrating a return of the new improved toy, Aqua Dots, in the U.S. there is still a ban on the product.

But that hasn't stopped a few unscrupulus importers from trying to bring them into this country- especially just before Christmas. Fortunately border agents confiscated shipments in Savannah, Seattle, International Falls, Minnesota and Norfolk just in time. But that does not mean they caught all shipments.

Parents should be aware that the recall is still in place in the U.S.

In November, the Consumer Product Safety Commission along with maker Spin Master of Toronto, voluntarily recalled 4.2 million of the toys because a coating on the beads contained a chemical that can turn toxic if put in the mouth. The coating contains butanediol that turns into a chemical similar to date rape drug GHB in the presence of water or in the mouth. Children can become comatose or have seizures.

That happened to a 20 month old who had to be hospitalized. He has fully recovered. Another child was in a comatose state but also has recovered. In all, nine U.S. children and three in Australia were made sick by Aqua Dots.

Australia get its beads from Moose Enterprises and they are also made in Hong Kong. Moose Enterprises says it has assurances from the toy maker that the new product is safe. They plan to begin distributing the toy known there as Bindeez, early next year as the ban has been lifted.