binddez recall

[WhizzFizzBadKitten]

Also posted in health and chat.

I've just read that bindeez beads are being recalled in the States, canada and australia because ghb is created when they are ingested.

www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,22718401-1702,00.html

I thought it was a hoax but its running across several news sites.

This site says its not being recalled in the UK even though it also says argos and woolies are pulling them from the shelves.
www.anorak.co.uk/broadsheets/177442.html

I saw this too (after just getting some for my DS for Christmas and for some friend's DCs).

Am keeping an eye on this site for now too see how this thing develops...

.

I'm not sure why I get a blank screen on that link bbb?

not sure but here is what was written...

Bindeez Consumer Update

7th November 2007

Character Options, the UK distributor of Bindeez product, believe that its supplies of Bindeez conform to UK regulations and when used as intended and clearly instructed, ?The product is safe?.

We have, however in light of recent press reports from Australia, instructed an independent test laboratory and an independent EU toxicologist to immediately test and analyse the chemical composition of our stocks. We are taking this action in order to reconfirm their safety and to alleviate any concerns you may have with the product.

Character takes the safety of children very seriously and whilst waiting for the results of these tests we have taken the precaution of temporarily removing Bindeez from sale. We anticipate this will be for no more than a few days and Bindeez products will be available again at retail shortly.

In terms of product already in consumer?s homes, we again can confirm when used as intended and clearly instructed, the product is ages 4 and we advise that Bindeez products are not given to children younger than this age.

Results of our re-testing will be posted shortly on the character website:

www.character-online.co.uk

On behalf of Character we apologise for any inconvenience caused by this situation and thank you for you cooperation.

Looks like they are testing to see if there is a problem with the UK batches of these. I have bought the big fan thingy for my DS who is nearly 5, it is one of the only things he has asked for for Christmas. It only arrived yesterday - I will obviously send it back if they are recalled.

Ebay have removed all listings of these beads today!

I'm surprised there has not been more responses to these threads, have you got some Bindeez at home WFBK? Am interested to see how many people will be sending theirs back if they are recalled and how many people will not buy 'just in case' if they are not recalled.

I havent got any, but I have a friend whos had some. I emailed her as I was a bit concerned about her young dog that chews everything! Also the thing is with this sort of thing, even older kids occasionally have an experimental suck/lick of things. (Can clearly remember the taste of church pews from being a kid!)
thanks for posting the text from the link. Am having trouble with quite a few websites atm.

I think the children who had ingested them had eaten quite a few - think one report said about 60 (don't know if that is between the 3 of them or one child). Reading between the lines it sounds like they need to eat quite a few before it has an effect - not that I will be risking it with my DS if the results for the UK ones come back as dodgy!

More info for anyone worried about these beads...

Bindeez Consumer Update

Voluntary Precautionary Recall Notice

By Character Options Ltd

Recall Helpline: 0800 023 4529 (UK); 44 161 633 9808 (ROI)

Lines open 24 hours per day until November 13th and between 8.30am and 6pm, Monday to Friday thereafter.

Email: [email protected]

www.character-online.co.uk

Character Options Ltd announces a voluntary precautionary recall of Bindeez products due to unauthorised chemical composition of some of the beads.

Name of Product: The recall applies to all products of Bindeez listed:

Product Code
Barcodes
Product Name

WB001E
6309960124448
Bindeez Themed Pack

WB000E
6309960124370
Bindeez Refill Pack

WB002E
6309960124516
Bindeez Starter Pack

WB004E
630996012475
Bindeez Super Studio

WB022E
630996014622
Bindeez Themed Gift Set (Space/Ocean)

WB031E
630996014707
Bindeez Themed Gift Sets (Pony)

WB003E
6309960124684
Bindeez Activity Pack (1000 beads)

WB028E
630996014677
Bindeez Activity Pack (750 beads)

WB051E
630996014776
Bindeez Pink Super Studio

WB006E
No Barcode
Bindeez Covermount

WB0230
63099614646
Bindeez Value Pack

Importer: Character Options Ltd, Oldham, OL4 5JL

Hazard: Some batches of the beads in the product shipped do not match the laboratory tested and approved formula. As a result, whilst not intended to be eaten, if ingested in large quantities may cause illness.

Incidents/injuries: No cases of illness have been reported within the UK and Eire.

Sold: In all major Retail Stores in the UK and Republic of Ireland from November 2006 to November 2007

Remedy: As a precaution, Consumers should immediately remove the beads from play and safely dispose of. Please dispose of the beads in a poly bag and put in with your domestic waste.

Replacement beads will only be available direct from Character Options and not from Point of Purchase

These replacement beads will be coated with Bitrex, a safe solution which on contact leaves a bitter taste; this is designed to dissuade children from placing the product in the mouth.

Please contact Character Options for free replacement beads on the above recall helpline, email us on [email protected] or visit

www.character-online.co.uk

I have called them today and they have advised me to throw the beads away with ordinary household waste - they do not believe they are toxic but are taking no chances! They are sending out replacement packs of 850 beads in the next couple of weeks or so.