Toys linked to date rape drug

What's up with toys, this year? It seems like every week or so there's been another recall for lead-paint toys. It's ridiculous.

Just in time for Christmas shopping when retailers are supposed to make the vast majority of their annual sales, there's now this reassuring bit of news (bold is mine):

"China-made toys seized in Hong Kong were being tested Thursday after scientists in Australia found that similar ones contained a chemical that converts into a powerful "date rape" drug when ingested, officials said.

At least five children — two in the United States and three in Australia — have been taken to hospital after swallowing the toy beads [...] a chemical coating on the beads, when ingested, metabolizes into the so-called "date-rape" drug gamma hydroxy butyrate. When eaten, the compound — made from common and easily available ingredients — can induce unconsciousness, seizures, drowsiness, coma and death [...]" --cbc.ca

What's even more scary is that I think the reason for this year's glut of recalls is because manufacturers have only recently decided to step up their quality controls. Makes me wonder how I ever survived childhood.