Do you have Aqua Dots at home?

Aqua Dots were recalled by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission after published reports about a recall in Australia. [AP photo]

TAMPA -- A popular Chinese-made toy that is the subject of a recall was still on the shelves of a Tampa Wal-Mart this morning -- until a reporter inquired.

An assistant manager immediately yanked dozens of Aqua Dots from the shelves and pointed out that they automatically rang up "Do Not Sell'' at the register. He declined to be named.

Wednesday's recall by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission came several hours after published reports about a recall in Australia. Both were prompted by findings by scientists who said they found a chemical on the toys that converts into a powerful date rape drug when ingested. Two children in the United States and three in Australia were hospitalized after swallowing the beads.

The toy beads are used in arts and crafts projects. They can be fused together when sprayed with water.

In the toy aisle of a nearby Target, Kristen Lewis was toting around her 2-year-old daughter, Carleigh, in a shopping cart. She said she heard about the recall in news reports this morning. Had she planned to buy them?

"Not anymore,'' she said.

Were Aqua Dots on your kid's Christmas list?  If you bought this toy for your child or wanted to, we want to hear from you. Please e-mail jfries@sptimes.com or call (727) 893-8872.

- Casey Cora, Times staff writer