The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is warning families to stop using CHE-US magnetic robot stick figure toys, stating that about 101,282 sets pose a serious magnet ingestion risk.
Each stick figure has four small magnets, one in each hand and foot. When the figures are pulled apart, the arms and legs have magnets that are stronger than the standard allows. The loose magnets are also small enough to fit inside the CPSC’s small parts cylinder, which tests whether an item could be swallowed.
As per the report issued on October 29, the toys violate the mandatory federal standard for toys. No injuries have been reported. The seller has not agreed to an acceptable recall.
Why Swallowed Magnets Were Dangerous
If a child swallows more than one high-powered magnet, the magnets can attract each other inside the digestive system. They may also attract other metal objects, potentially trapping or damaging internal tissue.
The resulting injuries can include intestinal perforations, twisting or blockages, blood poisoning and death. The magnets may attract each other through the intestinal walls, causing pressure that cuts off blood supply to affected tissue.
Which Toys Were Affected?
The CPSC has urged consumers to stop using the following magnetic toys immediately.
- Product: CHE-US Magnetic Robot Stick Figure Toys
- Sets: Five or 10 figures in purple, blue, yellow, red and green
- Packaging: X004N3MGCB printed on the back
- Where sold: Amazon, for about $9
- Units: About 101,282
- Seller: Guangzhou Shian Trading Co., Ltd., doing business as CHE-US/CHESLICR, of China
The figures have movable arms and legs that let children connect them to other figures. However, pulling the pieces apart can cause the magnets to come loose. Parents should check the packaging code to identify the affected products.
What Parents Should Do
The CPSC urges families to stop using the toys immediately and dispose of them. The agency also says people should not sell or give away the figures. The warning does not mention refunds or replacements.
The CPSC issued a Notice of Violation to the seller, who has not agreed to an acceptable recall. Anyone who has experienced a safety incident involving the product can report it on SaferProducts.gov.
The notice also points to a related recall of GBYMIUY magnetic stick figure toy sets. The recall covers the same hazard: loose, high-powered magnets. Parents should check toy packaging for the code X004N3MGCB and make sure the affected figures are no longer accessible to children. Families should also check toy storage areas for any loose magnets.
