Magnet Sets Violate Federal Toy Standards
About 175,000 Buckyballs® High Powered Magnets Sets are being recalled by Maxfield and Oberton due to violation of the federal toy standard, announced the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
Manufactured in China and imported by Maxfield and Oberton LLC, of New York, New York, the high powered magnets sets were labeled “Ages 13+” and do not meet the mandatory toy standard F963-08 (effective August 17, 2009) which requires that such powerful magnets are not sold for children under age 14.
Magnets can be swallowed or aspirated by young children and if more than one is swallowed, the magnets can attract each other and cause intestinal perforations or blockages, which can be deadly. Although no injuries have been reported, the company is aware of two incidents of children swallowing one or more magnets.
This recall involves the Buckyballs® High Powered Magnets Sets labeled “Ages 13+.” The set contains 216 powerful rare earth magnets and is meant to build unlimited shapes and patterns. Since March 2010, Buckyballs® High Powered Magnets Sets were labeled “Keep Away From All Children” and are not being recalled.
The affected magnets were sold online from March 2009 through March 2010, and at various stores selling children’s toys, stationery, and office supplies.
The CPSC advises consumers to take the Buckyballs® High Powered Magnets Sets labeled “Ages 13+” away from children under 14 immediately and contact Maxfield and Oberton for refund instructions upon return of the magnets. Maxfield and Oberton can be reached, toll-free, at (888) 847-8716 between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., Central Time, Monday through Friday or at the firm’s Website at www.maxfieldandobertonsafety.com.
Posted on Friday, May 28th, 2010 at 7:14 pm under 