China has suspended exports of a children's bead toy after 4.2 million of the picture sets were recalled in the US because they contain a toxic drug, China's quality control watchdog said Friday.

The US Consumer Product Safety Commission on Thursday recalled the Chinese-made Aqua Dots sets as the beads contain an adhesive solvent called "1,4 butylene glycol" that simulates the drug gamma hydroxy if swallowed.

Five children were reported to have fallen ill after swallowing the beads in the United States and in Australia, where the toy is sold under the name Bindeez.

The General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection, and Quarantine (AQSIQ) said it has sealed the bead toys at the producer, without revealing producer's name.

The AQSIQ added it has ordered quality control agencies to launch inspections and will release investigation results promptly.

(Xinhua News Agency November 10, 2007)