Mar 17, 2008 2:05 pm US/Eastern
Millions of Chinese Made Toys Recalled In U.S.
WASHINGTON (WBZ) ―
Toy distributor Mega Brands Inc. recalled about 2.4 million Chinese-made toys Monday, because small magnets could fall out and cause internal damage.
These tiny magnets could fall out of the toys and be swallowed or inhaled by children. If more than one magnet is swallowed, they can attach to each other and cause intestinal perforation, infection or blockage, which can be fatal.
Mega Brands is recalling 1.1 million Magtastik and Magnetix Jr. preschool toys. The company and the Consumer Product Safety Commission have received 19 reports of magnets falling out of these toys.
In one incident an 18-month-old boy put a magnet in his mouth, but it was not swallowed. In another, a 3-year-old boy needed medical treatment to remove a magnet from his nasal cavity.
According to the company's website the Magtastik and Magnetix Jr. Pre-school Magnetic Toys include small flexible parts embedded with magnets that allow the parts to connect to large, colored metal balls.
The recall also includes about 1.3 million MagnaMan magnetic action figures.
The company and commission have received 25 reports of magnets falling out of the figures. No incidents involving magnets from the action figures have been reported.
According to the company's website, the recalled MagnaMan magnetic toys are figures that have body parts that attach with magnets. They come in either a "Futuristic Warrior" or "Ancient Warrior" theme. Each figure comes with three accessories.
In March 2006, Mega Brands recalled 3.8 million Magnetix magnetic building sets because one child died and four others were seriously injured after swallowing tiny magnets in the toys.
Monday's recalled products were sold at toy stores around the country, including Wal-Mart, Target, Toys "R" Us and Kmart between January 2005 and December 2007.
For details on the recall, or on how to return the toys and receive a free replacement, you can contact MEGA Brands at (800) 779-7122.
Information is also available on the
company's website, as well as through the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission by following
this link,
this link, and this
last link.
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