Scientists say a chemical coating on the beads, when ingested, metabolizes into the so-called date rape drug gamma hydroxy butyrate.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission is announcing a Recall: Toy 'Aqua Dots' Turn Into Date Rape Drug. This toy is one of the hottest products for this holiday season.. or at least it WAS until now.

Here's a quote from an article I read:

"Scientists say a chemical coating on the beads, when ingested, metabolizes into the so-called date rape drug gamma hydroxy butyrate. When eaten, the compound - made from common and easily available ingredients - can induce unconsciousness, seizures, drowsiness, coma and death."

I can understand (although not forgive) the lead paint problem caused by lax standards in terms of outsourcing to China, but this is a new product that is designed to melt when in contact with water then reform to enable a stained-glass like "arts and crafts" medium that doesn't require heat, and therefore adults to supervise. I would have thought that the designer or at least the manufacturer would have tested compounds formed by the chemical reactions at each stage for toxicity.

Just seems like common sense to me.