Vending machine toy was not filled with cocaine after all, authorities say

BELL GARDENS, Calif. -- A child's toy found in a vending machine that initially tested positive for drugs had no cocaine inside of it, CBS Los Angeles reports. 

Police say the toy was retrieved on Monday at Taqueria Los Altos, which is a restaurant in Bell Gardens. The toy ruptured while a child was playing with it, and about five grams of a white powdery substance spilled out. 

Authorities initially said the substance tested positive for cocaine. About 4.8 ounces of powder was confiscated from the restaurant.

But further investigation revealed the initial testing was a "false positive" and the substance was deemed harmless. 

Police say the powder resembles baking soda or talcum powder. The actual substance has yet to be determined. 

Restaurant employees told CBS Los Angeles they lost business for two days when the public thought the company might be connected to drugs. They hope things will return to normal now that authorities have clarified results of the drug test.