Reuters AlertNet Lite - HK-based producer of toxic bead toys apologises

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HK-based producer of toxic bead toys apologises

29 Nov 2007 02:06:00 GMT
Source: Reuters

BEIJING, Nov 29 (Reuters) - The Chinese producer of the bead toys that caused recalls in the United States and Australia has apologised for using a toxic "date-rape" drug and damaging the reputation of the China label, state media said on Thursday.

China has been buffeted by a series food, drug and other product safety scares in recent months. More than 20 million toys made in China have been recalled worldwide over the past four months due to potentially dangerous levels of lead and hazards posed by small magnets.

The apology from Hong Kong-based JSSY Ltd Co came weeks after the United States recalled 4.2 million pieces for containing 1,4-butanediol, a chemical that can cause unconsciousness, earning it notoriety as a "date-rape" drug.

Similar recalls were made in Australia and Spain.

In the written apology, JSSY admitted that it had used the toxic chemical as a softener.

"We apologise to the children who have fallen ill after swallowing the beads, and their families. We also apologise to other Chinese toymakers who have been affected by the damage to the made-in-China label," JSSY was quoted as saying.

"We'll tighten risk analysis and management of chemicals to ensure product safety in future production."

It said Australia-based Moose Enterprises sent JSSY some bead samples in September 2005 and asked it to develop products with similar outlook and function.

"The company said it decided to use 1,4-butanediol as a softener for its expansibility and viscidity -- or adhesive nature -- in a contract toy factory in Shenzhen, and then exported the products to Moose. The toys were then sold as Moose products in the U.S. and Australia," the China Daily said.

U.S. safety officials recalled about 4.2 million Aqua Dots for possibly containing the drug. Australia too announced a ban on the popular toy, sold there in a version called "Bindeez", and Spain also announced a recall.

Aqua Dots toys involve arranging small, multi-coloured beads coated with glue into shapes and then spraying them with water to fix them together. Two American and three Australian children were admitted to hospital after playing with them.

China's General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine at the time said the toys were manufactured by the Wangqi Product Factory in China's southern city of Shenzhen. (Reporting by Nick Macfie; Editing by Jeremy Laurence)

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Last updated:Thu Nov 29 02:18:20 2007