CPSC recall 10-251, announced May 27, 2010, covers Maxfield and Oberton Buckyballs® High Powered Magnets Sets (about 175,000 units). 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 14. The notice cites 2 incident reports. Consumers should take the Buckyballs® high powered magnets sets labeled "Ages 13+" away from children under 14 immediately and contact Maxfield and Oberton for instructions on receiving a refund upon return of a complete set of magnets. Recall contact: call (888) 847-8716, or go to www.maxfieldandobertonsafety.com.
Compare the model on your label, then check any serial numbers, date codes, and exclusions in the notice. A model match alone does not confirm that your unit is included.
The CPSC data does not provide a discrete model-number list for this record. Compare the product description and identification details on the official notice.
Which products are included?
This recall involves the Buckyballs® high powered magnets sets labeled "Ages 13+". The set contains 216 powerful rare earth magnets. It is intended 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.
Confirm these details on the official CPSC noticeWhy it was recalled
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 14. Magnets found by young children can be swallowed or aspirated. If more than one magnet is swallowed, the magnets can attract each other and cause intestinal perforations or blockages, which can be fatal.
Incidents and injuries
The firm has received two reports of children swallowing one or more magnets. No injuries were reported.
Official remedy
Consumers should take the Buckyballs® high powered magnets sets labeled "Ages 13+" away from children under 14 immediately and contact Maxfield and Oberton for instructions on receiving a refund upon return of a complete set of magnets.
Product and sales details
- Brand
- Maxfield and Oberton
- Product type
- Toys & play sets
- Recall number
- 10-251
- Units
- About 175,000
- Manufactured in
- China
- Sold at / sales period
- The recalled magnets were sold at a variety of stores, including stores selling children's toys, stationery and office supplies and various online sites from March 2009 through March 2010.
- Importer
- Maxfield and Oberton LLC, of New York, N.Y.
Buckyballs® High Powered Magnets Sets
CPSC product type: Magnets
Recall contact information
For additional information, contact Maxfield and Oberton at (888) 847-8716 between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or visit the firm's website at www.maxfieldandobertonsafety.com
Verify phone numbers, hours, and websites on the current CPSC notice before contacting the firm.
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