SYDNEY - OFFICIALS yesterday ordered a popular children's toy pulled from store shelves after scientists found it contained a chemical that converts into a 'date rape' drug when ingested.

Three children - aged 19 months to 10 years - have been hospitalised over the past 10 days after swallowing beads from Bindeez, a craft toy sold by Australia-based Moose Enterprises.

The beads in the toy - named Australia's Toy of the Year - are arranged into designs and fuse together when sprayed with water. Scientists say the beads contain a chemical that the human body metabolises into the 'date rape' drug gamma hydroxy butyrate, also known as Fantasy. When eaten, the compound - made from common ingredients - can induce seizures, drowsiness, coma and death.

Australian officials are investigating the Hong Kong-made product.