Up to 500,000 Bindeez children's craft toys are being recalled across Ireland and Britain over concerns the product contains a chemical that converts to a powerful "date rape" drug when ingested.
Character Group - the UK distributor of Bindeez toys - has asked retailers and consumers to return the products following reports that children in the United States and Australia have been taken to hospital after swallowing beads that form part of their products.
The toy beads, which are made in China, can be arranged into designs and fused together when sprayed with water. Scientists have said a chemical coating on the beads, when ingested, metabolises into the "date rape" drug gamma hydroxy butyrate.
Character has shipped up to 500,000 Bindeez bead products over the year, with between 100,000 to 150,000 now on the shelves of retailers.
Richard King, chairman of Character Group, said: "We believe that the product we have is safe, but it's going to be some time until we get results of the toxicology test reports, and rather than take a chance, safety is of prime importance and therefore we have taken this precaution."
The firm said there have been no cases of illness reported here or in Britain.
Character Group said today it believed an "unapproved formulation" might have been used in the manufacturing process.
Replacement products will be sent to all consumers and retailers affected by the recall.