Australia bans China-made toy after children fall ill | Health | Reuters

"Australia announced a nationwide ban on Wednesday on a Chinese-made toy which investigations showed contained a chemical which metabolizes into a "date rape" style drug when swallowed.

The ban across Australia's six states and two territories came after three children became severely ill after they swallowed the toy beads called "Bindeez."

Survivor China Total Recall

China hosts Westwood's Minghine for learning visit

"China has been in the news a lot lately.

Unfortunately, most of it has been related to massive recall issues from pet food to toys.

But on the other side of the coin, educators are seeing a significant impact on the effects China is having on the world."

Recall savvy parents key to safe children

"The recent rash of recalls for children’s products has left many parents wondering what items are safe for children.

Thomas the Tank Engine, Dora the Explorer, Go! Diego Go! and all infant cold medicines are just a few of the recalls that recently have made headlines across the country."

Doughnuts OK, Glow Sticks Not

"No one was going to drop doughnuts into trick-or-treat bags, but Dunkin' Donuts worked hard to get into the Halloween spirit with pink and orange glow sticks, given away with purchases at outlets nationwide. One million of the glow sticks have been recalled by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission because the cap and lanyard can detach, posing a choking hazard."

Starbucks Won't Halt China-Made Products After Recall

"Starbucks Corp., the world's largest coffee-shop chain, won't stop sourcing products from China after recalling children's cups with animal faces, some of which broke and caused choking.

Starbucks recalled 250,000 children's plastic cups from U.S. and Canada stores, a year after removing 73,000 China-made coffee machines prone to overheating and melting, according to company statements."

Safety's in big demand

"Mounting wariness about hazardous substances in food, toys, and other consumer goods is creating opportunities for Bay State makers of devices that detect such dangers."

Toy safety hitting home for parents

"EDMONTON - Concern over the massive recalls of toys containing excessive amounts of lead has some parents taking matters into their own hands to protect their children's health. They're buying home lead-testing kits and doing a safety check of their children's toys that most assumed was being done by the government and toy industry."

Recalls force consumers to reconsider toy purchases

"Spending $200 on a tricycle was more than what Lisa Porto planned to spend.

Instead of buying a cheap tricycle made in China, the science teacher at Nordhoff High School in Ojai is considering one that's mostly metal and made in Germany for her 18-month-old son, Rowan"

NY County Recalls Lead-Laced Lunch Bags

"NEW YORK (AP) — Lunch bags made in China and distributed for a program meant to encourage healthy eating are being recalled because they may contain lead, a suburban county health department says."