General Discussions

**angele803** · 11-08-2007, 05:27 PM

I heard this on the news this morning.

There is a toy (I have seen it advertised on TV) that is being recalled. Big surprise yeah? Well, its not because of lead paint. Apparently, if you eat these little "Aqua Dots", it reacts in your body and creates a chemical similar to the date rape drug.

Seriously?! Of all the chemical reactions that can happen...the date rape drug?

Ladies Beware!!!

**Learning Newbie** · 11-08-2007, 05:42 PM

I don't think it's because of a chemical reaction in the body, I think they actually used GHB in manufacturing this toy. Don't ask me why, it must be cheaper. But that's what I heard on the news.

**angele803** · 11-08-2007, 05:51 PM

Here is a link to the story: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7083158.stm

It says that the chemical metabolizes in the body like GHB, but then it also says that a batch that was tested was coated in a glue that did not match the approved formula...hmmm

**Michelle Ü** · 11-09-2007, 11:20 AM

wow! that's scary indeed.

**KML9870** · 11-09-2007, 11:35 AM

Holy cow - I saw this in a Kmart ad yesterday!! Brings the phrase "come out & play" to whole new, scary heights!!

**serandfae** · 11-09-2007, 07:24 PM

I can see it now, preschools looking like Jonestown, the day after....nappy time just got extended by about a day.

**joder** · 11-09-2007, 09:09 PM

Right now I wouldn't buy any toys made in China. Looks like the American companies that buy and sell these products would run tests. Especially after all the recalls that have happened.

**SeanB** · 11-09-2007, 09:25 PM

Personally, I hope this is the catalyst that gets US companies to start manufacturing in the US again. That old saying, you get what you pay for, seems to hold true. These companies are exploiting, what is basically slave labor overseas, and then acting surprised when those companies get caught using substandard materials. In a country notorious for human rights violations, is it really so shocking that they (the Chinese corporations and government) don't care about the safety of the people and children buying and using their products?

**serandfae** · 11-10-2007, 09:02 AM

Personally, I wouldn't be surprised if these contaminants making their way in through toys wasn't an intentional plot on the part of the Chinese government, trying to see what they could get by with, dry runs for an overt chemical attack.

**LadynRed** · 11-10-2007, 11:47 AM

The fault lies in the apparent lack of standards and restrictions on imports. There should be mandates that say anything to be imported here MUST MEET our health and safety standards or they don't come in, let alone find their way to our store shelves ! What rules we may have are obviously NOT being enforced.

**fastreplies** · 11-10-2007, 01:06 PM

You can't have it both ways: cheap and safe

fastreplies

**SeanB** · 11-10-2007, 07:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fastreplies

You can't have it both ways: cheap and safe

fastreplies

Amen!

While consumers have benefited from low cost goods, I think it's been more a result of the the government allowing our shelves to be flooded with these items more than it has been consumers demanding the goods. There used to be a strong push to buy American made. It's not that people gave up on the concept, but it just became more and more difficult to find items with the made in the USA label. China has high tariffs on foreign imports, yet we have no such restriction.

Sure, people will generally buy cheap if they can, but I'd be willing to bet that the average consumer would rather pay a little more, in order to have more domestic manufacturing jobs, and better product safety.

How much Chinese money do you think has found it's way into our politicians pockets? I'll bet a substantial amount.

**seolman** · 11-10-2007, 07:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LadynRed

The fault lies in the apparent lack of standards and restrictions on imports. There should be mandates that say anything to be imported here MUST MEET our health and safety standards or they don't come in, let alone find their way to our store shelves ! What rules we may have are obviously NOT being enforced.

You got it right LNR. Problem is: there are so many imports and no way to inspect each shipment that arrives - but if there was a way to actually penalize the country of origin for allowing tainted products to be shipped (say reduce import quotas or take it off their aid payments) you'd probably get more local controls and less pressure on the guys trying to inspect all this garbage.

**serandfae** · 11-11-2007, 02:48 PM

Unfortunately, this is a weakness that can easily be exploited, and could become the new path of least resistance to terror plots.

On a brighter note, we could have things come in like car polish with THC in it for that brighter shine....so you can wax philosophically!!!

**Capt Quirk** · 11-11-2007, 03:36 PM

Latest news- Michael Jackson leverages for a Buy Out of AquaDots...

I remember back in the good old days, we used to get cheap goods from Taiwan. It was garbage, but it wasn't toxic. I also remember J.F.K. banning trade with Cuba, because they were Communist, and ordering cases of Cuban cigars just before imposing the ban. Yet, we are supplying Communist China with how much of our finances... all for tainted junk no less. Dog food is poisoned, toothpaste is poisoned, children's toys are smothered in a delightful tangy lead base? If I didn't know better, I would say it was intentional.

I also remember when Wal Mart used to proudly proclaim "Made In The USA". You don't hear that anymore, do you?