WASHINGTON, D.C.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced on Oct. 27, 2011 that Spin Master have accepted to pay a civil penalty of $1.3 Million.
Spin Master intentionally failed to report within 24 hours as required by federal law after having information on the defect and safety risk involving Aqua Dots.
In violation of law Spin Master imported, marketed and sold Aqua Dots, that were harmful as well as a banned substance, thus creating an unreasonable risk of serious injury or death.
Spin Master had received reports that children became sick and had been given urgent medical treatment right after ingesting Aqua Dots.
Spin Master found out that Aqua Dots contained 1,4-butylene glycol - TMG, which, upon consumption, metabolizes to the controlled substance gamma hydroxybutyrate - GHB.
Spin Master discovered that TMG if swallowed is harmful, and targets the kidneys and central nervous system.
Spin Master had continiously received reports of serious health hazards involving Aqua Dots.
In November 2007 Consumer Product Safety Commission notified Spin Master, that it had received two reports of children who had ingested the product, become ill, fallen into comas and required hospitalization.
Two days later Spin Master announced a voluntary recall of about 4.2 million units of Aqua Dots.