A popular China-made toy has been recalled in North America and Australia after scientists found it contained a chemical which turns into a powerful drug often used in date-rape cases, when swallowed. The toy beads, known as Aqua Dots in the US and Bindeez in Australia, are often used in art and craft projects.

Three children in Australia and two in the US were hospitalised after swallowing the beads containing the chemical.

Australia ordered the toys off the shelves on Tuesday after three children including a 19-month-old baby were hospitalised. Naren Gunja, from Australia's Poisons Information Centre, said the effect of the drug on children was "quite serious... and potentially life-threatening".

Affected toys

'Date rape' drug chemical:
Aqua Dots or Bindeez beads

Lead poisoning:

Dizzy Ducks music boxes, Winnie-the-Pooh spinning tops, Big Red wagons, Dragster and Funny Car and Duck Family wind-up toys, Pull-Back Action Toy CarsThe US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) pulled the toys hours later. Scott Wolfson, a commission spokesman, said the two children in the US slipped into non-responsive comas after swallowing the beads

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