Bindeez beads withdrawn from sale

Some batches of a popular children's toy, Bindeez, have been found to contain the chemical 1,4-butanediol.

1,4-Butanediol is converted in the body to gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB; also known as "Fantasy"), which can lead to loss of consciousness and slowed breathing. There have been three confirmed cases of poisoning in New Zealand.

These products have now been recalled until further notice.