The Recall Desk
HighCPSC·13278·Announced 2013-09-10

Eco-Novelty Recalls Jumbo Cosmo Beads Toys Due to Ingestion Hazard

Eco-Novelty is recalling Jumbo Size and Jumbo Multipurpose Cosmo Beads toys because the water-absorbing beads can cause intestinal obstructions if swallowed by 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 (choking/obstruction) where injury has not yet been reported for the specific units, fitting the High severity criteria.

Plain-English summary

Eco-Novelty Corp. is recalling approximately 3,500 units of Cosmo Beads Jumbo Size and Jumbo Multipurpose Colorful Water Balls toys. These water-absorbing polymer beads hydrate to the size of a racquetball when placed in water. The products were sold as single packets or sets of three packets in various colors, including clear, green, purple, red, dark purple, and orange.

The recall is due to a serious ingestion hazard. The hard, colorful beads can be mistaken for candy by children. If ingested, the beads expand inside the body and can cause intestinal obstructions, resulting in severe discomfort, vomiting, and dehydration. The CPSC notes that the toys require surgery to be removed and do not show up on x-rays. While no injuries have been reported for these specific products, the CPSC is aware of one incident where an 8-month-old girl required surgery to remove a similar water-absorbing polymer ball.

The toys were sold at Amazon.com, ifleemarket.com, and crystalsoilusa.com from June 2011 through August 2013 for between $2 and $20. Consumers should immediately take the recalled toys away from children and contact Eco-Novelty Corp. at (231) 222-4200 or via email at [email protected] for a refund.

The recalled product

Product
Water-absorbing polymer beads
Manufacturer
Eco-Novelty Corp., of Troy, Mich.
Category
Consumer Product — Toys
Hazard
Affected units
3,500

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Related recalls

Same hazard · choking

See all →