The Recall Desk
CriticalCPSC·24071·Announced 2023-12-28

High-Powered Magnetic Balls Recalled Due to Ingestion Hazard

A set of 5mm magnetic balls sold online through Walmart.com via Joybuy is being recalled because the magnets are too strong and can cause serious internal injuries or death if swallowed, especially by children.

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 identifies seven deaths involving ingestion of hazardous magnets, including two outside the United States. Per the severity rubric, the presence of known fatalities results in a score of 5 (Critical), regardless of other factors.

Plain-English summary

The Consumer Product Safety Commission is recalling the Relax 5mm Science Kit, Large Hematite Magnets Magnetic Stones Building Blocks—a set of 216 small, spherical neodymium rare-earth magnets sold in a clear plastic case and tin storage box with a black storage bag. The recalled product was sold exclusively online at Walmart.com from February 2022 through April 2023 for between $14 and $15, with approximately 4,240 units distributed.

The magnetic balls do not comply with federal magnet safety regulations because they contain magnets that are stronger than permitted and fit within the CPSC's small parts cylinder. When swallowed, high-powered magnets can attract each other or a metal object and become stuck in the digestive system, potentially causing perforations, twisting, blockage of the intestines, infection, blood poisoning, and death.

No injuries from this specific product have been reported. However, the CPSC estimates that 2,400 magnet ingestions were treated in hospital emergency departments from 2017 through 2021, and the agency is aware of seven deaths involving the ingestion of hazardous magnets, including two outside the United States.

Consumers should stop using the recalled magnetic balls immediately, remove them from children's reach, and contact Joybuy to receive a prepaid return label for a full refund. Joybuy is notifying all known purchasers directly. For more information, contact Joybuy Marketplace Express collect at 302-426-4543 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT, Monday through Friday, by email at [email protected], or online at https://www.walmart.com/seller/16214.

The recalled product

Product
Relax 5mm Science Kit, Large Hematite Magnets Magnetic Stones Building Blocks
Category
Consumer Product — Magnetic toys/building sets
Hazard
  • magnet-ingestion
  • intestinal-perforation
  • internal-blockage
  • death
Affected units
4,240

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Related recalls

Same category