Toy Beads Banned From Queensland Stores
Published Tuesday, 06 November, 2007 at 05:30 PM
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister Assisting the Premier in Western Queensland
The Honourable Kerry Shine
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Kerry Shine has banned children’s toy Bindeez beads from sale in Queensland and warned parents to take the beads away from their children.
“There are concerns Bindeez beads contain a chemical which can be converted in the body into the chemical GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyrate),” Mr Shine said.
“GHB can cause dizziness, nausea, unconsciousness, convulsions, vomiting, suppression of the gag reflex and seizure like activity.
“If your children play with these beads you should take them away immediately.”
Mr Shine said Bindeez beads had been on sale at most toy stores for about six months and had been manufactured in China.
“Investigators from the Office of Fair Trading are conducting inspections to ensure that this product is being removed from the shelves of retail outlets and are no longer being sold.”
The ban follows the hospitalisation of two children in New South Wales who fell ill after swallowing the beads.
“I am also aware there is a case of a child requiring attention following the ingestion of this product in Queensland,” Mr Shine said.
“With a toy this popular, it is disappointing that the company has failed in its responsibility to put safe products into the hands of children.
“These beads, which when lightly sprayed with water can be stuck together to form pictures and patterns, are especially popular with girls.”
Mr Shine said parents who believe their children have swallowed these beads should seek urgent medical attention.
“Parents wanting more information can also contact the Poisons Information Centre on 131 126.
“Any parents wanting to return their Bindeez beads purchase should contact the Office of Fair Trading on 131 304 for further information.”
Media Contact: Troy Davies 3239 6400, 0488 799 273
“There are concerns Bindeez beads contain a chemical which can be converted in the body into the chemical GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyrate),” Mr Shine said.
“GHB can cause dizziness, nausea, unconsciousness, convulsions, vomiting, suppression of the gag reflex and seizure like activity.
“If your children play with these beads you should take them away immediately.”
Mr Shine said Bindeez beads had been on sale at most toy stores for about six months and had been manufactured in China.
“Investigators from the Office of Fair Trading are conducting inspections to ensure that this product is being removed from the shelves of retail outlets and are no longer being sold.”
The ban follows the hospitalisation of two children in New South Wales who fell ill after swallowing the beads.
“I am also aware there is a case of a child requiring attention following the ingestion of this product in Queensland,” Mr Shine said.
“With a toy this popular, it is disappointing that the company has failed in its responsibility to put safe products into the hands of children.
“These beads, which when lightly sprayed with water can be stuck together to form pictures and patterns, are especially popular with girls.”
Mr Shine said parents who believe their children have swallowed these beads should seek urgent medical attention.
“Parents wanting more information can also contact the Poisons Information Centre on 131 126.
“Any parents wanting to return their Bindeez beads purchase should contact the Office of Fair Trading on 131 304 for further information.”
Media Contact: Troy Davies 3239 6400, 0488 799 273