Pharmaceutical chain Watsons yesterday took one of its toys off the shelves in Hong Kong amid fears they might contain psychotropic substances.
The product, called the Yo Yo Water Ball, poisoned a boy in Paraguay after he cut the ball with a knife, causing the liquid inside to seep out, according to news agency reports. The Paraguayan government carried out tests and found the liquid contained psychotropic substances.
The jelly-like balls, which are made on the mainland, can fit into the palm of an adult. It can be squeezed into different shapes, forcing the liquid inside to move. An elastic cord allows it to be swung around like a yo-yo.
On its package, it is described as a 'safety sport ball' that can be used to play 'fun games to build eye-hand co-ordination'. It is aimed at five-year-olds and above.
A Consumer Council spokesman said yesterday that no one in Hong Kong had filed a query or complaint so far.
Watsons executives acted immediately after receiving a call from the South China Morning Post about the reports. A spokeswoman said the products were removed from the company's 142 stores. Consumers who bought the product can get a refund with a receipt.
'Clients' safety is the company's first priority,' the spokeswoman said.