New Yorkers Warned of Toy Recall Following Injuries and Deaths

Walmart has issued a recall on high-powered magnetic balls that were purchased online, citing serious safety concerns.

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The recall comes in response to reports of injuries and deaths caused by children swallowing similar products.

Magnetic Balls Recall Notice

Walmart has recalled 216-piece sets of 5-millimeter multicolored magnetic balls due to potential choking and injury risks. The sets were sold online and were packaged in a clear plastic case or a portable tin storage box. The recall notice, issued by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), warns that if these high-powered magnets are swallowed, they can attract to each other or other metal objects and become lodged in the digestive system. This poses a significant danger, potentially leading to perforations, blockages, infections, blood poisoning, and even death.

Magnetic Balls Injuries and Deaths

The CPSC estimates that between 2017 and 2021, there were approximately 2,400 cases of magnet ingestions treated in hospital emergency rooms. Shockingly, the agency is aware of seven deaths resulting from magnet ingestion, including two incidents outside the United States.

Recalled Toy Details

Around 4,240 sets of the affected magnetic balls, known as Relax Magnetic Balls, were exclusively sold online at Walmart.com between February 2022 and April 2023. Priced between $14 and $15, these sets were made in China and distributed through Joybuy Marketplace Express. Consumers who have purchased the recalled magnets are urged to contact Joybuy to arrange a return and receive a refund.

Recall Contact Information and Assistance

If you purchased the recalled magnetic balls, you can reach out to Joybuy Marketplace Express for help.  They can be contacted by phone at 302-426-4543 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday through Friday.  You can also email them at oversea-service@jd.com or through Walmart's official website.

CPSC Warnings and Previous Incidents

This recent recall follows a series of warnings from the CPSC regarding the dangers of magnet sets as potential choking hazards for children. In August, the agency cautioned consumers about another magnetic ball set sold online at Walmart.com, urging them to stop using the product. Despite the agency's request, the product's seller did not respond, prompting concerns over its continued availability.