‘Immediately Stop Use’ – CPSC Issues Warning Over Magnetic Balls Sold on Amazon Due to Severe Ingestion Risk

Consumers are being urged to immediately stop using a type of magnetic toy sold exclusively on Amazon.com due to serious health risks, according to a new warning from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The product, manufactured by Shenzhen Xiaoju Technology Co. Ltd. in China, contains small, high-powered magnets that violate federal safety regulations and pose potentially fatal hazards if ingested.

CPSC testing revealed that the gold-colored magnetic balls—marketed in sets of 216 and packaged in a clear plastic case and tin storage box—contain individual magnets small enough to fit within the agency’s small parts cylinder. This size, combined with magnetic strength exceeding permissible limits, makes them particularly dangerous to children. If swallowed, the magnets can attract each other through intestinal walls, leading to perforations, blockages, infections, or even death.

Approximately 157 of these magnet sets were sold online in January 2021, priced between $17 and $26. Despite the safety violations, neither the sellers—Otbar and Leaf Dude Inc.—nor the manufacturer have agreed to conduct a recall or offer consumer remedies. All parties involved are based in China. The magnets were sold under the name Shenzhen Xiaoju Technology Company Magnetic Balls.

The CPSC has issued Notices of Violations but has not received cooperation from the companies to resolve the matter. The agency strongly advises consumers to cease using the product immediately and either discard the magnets or take them to a local recycling facility. The magnets should not be sold or given away due to the risk they pose. Incidents or injuries involving this product can be reported to CPSC through SaferProducts.gov.

Article by multiple RFHC contributors, based upon information from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission press release.

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