The Recall Desk
HighCPSC·10251·Announced 2010-05-27

Buckyballs High Powered Magnets Sets Recalled for Toy Standard Violation

Maxfield and Oberton is recalling Buckyballs High Powered Magnets Sets labeled 'Ages 13+' because they violate federal toy standards. The magnets pose a choking and intestinal injury risk to young children.

What this means for you

Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a risk-of-harm product (swallowing magnets causing intestinal perforation) where injury has not yet been reported, fitting the 'High' severity criteria.

Plain-English summary

Maxfield and Oberton LLC is recalling approximately 175,000 Buckyballs® High Powered Magnets Sets labeled "Ages 13+". The recall is due to a violation of the mandatory federal toy standard F963-08, which requires that such powerful magnets not be sold for children under 14. The sets contain 216 powerful rare earth magnets intended for building shapes and patterns.

The hazard involves the potential for young children to swallow or aspirate the magnets. If more than one magnet is swallowed, they can attract each other and cause intestinal perforations or blockages, which can be fatal. The firm has received two reports of children swallowing one or more magnets, but no injuries were reported.

The recalled magnets were sold at various stores, including those selling children's toys, stationery, and office supplies, as well as online sites, from March 2009 through March 2010. Consumers should take the magnets away from children under 14 immediately and contact Maxfield and Oberton for instructions on receiving a refund upon return of a complete set.

The recalled product

Product
Buckyballs® High Powered Magnets Sets
Manufacturer
Maxfield and Oberton LLC, of New York, N.Y.
Category
Consumer Product — Toys
Hazard
Affected units
175,000

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Related recalls

Same hazard · choking

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