KEY POINTS:
The producer of a children's toy which contains a toxic chemical says it will add a foul-tasting ingredient to the product in the future as an added precaution to stop children eating it.
Popular craft toy Bindeez was withdrawn from shelves around the country after two preschool children required hospital treatment after swallowing the beads.
The beads contained the chemical 1,4-Butanediol, which when ingested turns into liquid fantasy, also known as GBH.
One of the children was unconscious on arrival at Auckland's Starship hospital.
The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, which is conducting an urgent investigation, said yesterday parents should lock the product away safely and wait for further information on what to do.
A spokeswoman said the product had been voluntarily withdrawn but the ministry was working with the manufacturer to undertake an immediate recall. A recall advises consumers what to do with the product in terms of getting a refund.
Bindeez, which won Toy of the Year at this year's Melbourne Toy and Hobby Fair, is produced by Melbourne-based company Moose Enterprises, manufactured in China and distributed in New Zealand by Hasbro. Hasbro said yesterday 48,000 Bindeez units had been sold since April.
Moose Enterprises said it had reviewed the composition of the ingredients used in the product and discovered some batches did not match the laboratory-tested and approved formula.
"This substitution was not at any time approved by Moose, nor was Moose made aware of any substitution by the supplier."
It said that when the product was reintroduced to the market, it would add Bitrex, "a foul-tasting ingredient which will ensure children do not in future eat multiple beads". Bitrex is used in anti-nail biting solutions.
If beads were ingested, parents should seek immediate medical attention, even if the child was not showing any of the symptoms which include drowsiness, reduced levels of consciousness, any unexplained fits or seizures and possible vomiting.
The Warehouse said it withdrew Bindeez on Tuesday morning.
National Poisons Centre medical toxicologist Dr John Fountain said it was difficult to know how the chemical got into the beads.
He said it was unlikely the chemical was put in maliciously.
"I don't think there would be any intent to cause harm. But it is an industrial solvent and it could well be they substituted that particular solvent for another solvent. But the bottom line is they did something without declaring it and it's very clearly caused difficulties."
