The Recall Desk
CriticalCPSC·07164·Announced 2007-04-19

Magnetix Magnetic Building Sets Recalled Due to Swallowed Magnet Injuries

Mega Brands is recalling over 4 million Magnetix Magnetic Building Sets because detached magnets can cause fatal intestinal injuries if swallowed.

What this means for you

Highest-severity recall. Risk of serious injury or death is documented or strongly suspected. Stop using the product now and follow the agency's instructions.

Our severity reasoning: The source text explicitly reports one death and 27 intestinal injuries requiring emergency surgical intervention, which meets the rubric criteria for a Critical severity score (5) due to known fatalities.

Plain-English summary

Mega Brands America, Inc. is recalling more than 4 million Magnetix Magnetic Building Sets sold nationwide. The sets contain up to 250 plastic building pieces and 1/2-inch diameter steel balls. The recall includes all sets except newer versions sold since March 31, 2006, that are age-labeled 6+ and contain a specific caution label regarding magnet ingestion.

The recall was expanded because serious injuries continue to be reported to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). If a child swallows more than one tiny powerful magnet or one magnet and a metallic object, the items can attract each other inside the intestines, causing perforations or blockages that can be fatal if not treated immediately. CPSC and Mega Brands are aware of one death, one aspiration, and 27 intestinal injuries. Emergency surgical intervention was required in all but one of these cases. At least 1,500 incidents of magnets separating from the building pieces have been reported, with injuries affecting children as old as 11.

Consumers should stop using the recalled magnetic sets immediately. They can contact Mega Brands at (800) 779-7122 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit www.megabrands.com for a comparable replacement toy. The sets were sold at mass merchants and other toy and arts and crafts stores for between $20 and $60.

The recalled product

Product
Magnetix Magnetic Building Sets
Manufacturer
Mega Brands America, Inc.
Category
Consumer Product — Toys
Hazard

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Related recalls

Same hazard · swallowing

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