CPSC recall 13-071, announced December 17, 2012, covers Dunecraft Water Balz, Growing Skulls, H2O Orbs "Despicable Me" and Fabulous Flowers toys (about 94,700 units). When the marble-sized toy is ingested, it expands inside the body and causes a blockage in the small intestine, resulting in severe discomfort, vomiting, dehydration and could be life threatening. The notice cites 1 incident report. Consumers should immediately take this recalled toy away from children and contact Dunecraft for a free replacement toy. Recall contact: call (800) 306-4168, or go to www.dunecraft.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.
"Dunecraft," the name of the toy and the model number are printed on the toy's packaging.
Which products are included?
This recall involves marble-sized toys that absorb water and grow up to 400 times their original size. They were sold as Water Balz (round-shape), Growing Skulls (skull-shape), H2O Orbs "Despicable Me" (round-shape) and Fabulous Flowers (flower-shape). They were sold in packages of six in green, yellow, red, blue and black colors. "Dunecraft," the name of the toy and the model number are printed on the toy's packaging. Name Model Number Amount Recalled Water Balz BC-0338 81,000 Growing Skulls BC-0320 11,850 H2O Orbs "Despicable Me" DM-0447 1,800 Fabulous Flowers BC-0440 36
Confirm these details on the official CPSC noticeWhy it was recalled
When the marble-sized toy is ingested, it expands inside the body and causes a blockage in the small intestine, resulting in severe discomfort, vomiting, dehydration and could be life threatening. The toys do not show up on an x-ray and require surgery to be removed from the body.
Incidents and injuries
The firm received one report of an 8-month-old girl from Humble, Texas who ingested a Water Balz and suffered an intestinal obstruction in August 2011. The Water Balz had to be surgically removed.
Official remedy
Consumers should immediately take this recalled toy away from children and contact Dunecraft for a free replacement toy.
Product and sales details
- Brand
- Dunecraft
- Product type
- Toys & play sets
- Recall number
- 13-071
- Units
- About 94,700 in the United States and 600 in Canada
- Manufactured in
- China, United States
- Sold at / sales period
- Water Balz and Growing Skulls were sold at Bed Bath & Beyond, Five Below, Hobby Lobby, Lakeshore Learning Materials, Microcenter, Urban Outfitters Direct, Wegmans and other stores nationwide, and online at amazon.com, incrediblescience.com, keyporthobbies.com, americantoystores.com and other websites from September 2010 through November 2012 for about $3 per package. The H2O Orbs "Despicable Me" were sold exclusively at Universal Studios stores during June 2012 for about $3 per package. Fabulous Flowers were sold exclusively at Milaeger's in Racine, Wis. from June 2012 through November 2012 for about $3 per package.
- Importer
- Dunecraft Inc., of Cleveland, Ohio
Water Balz, Growing Skulls, H2O Orbs "Despicable Me" and Fabulous Flowers toys
CPSC product type: Toys
Recall contact information
Dunecraft Inc.; at (800) 306-4168, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or online at www.dunecraft.com and click on the recall tab for more information.
Verify phone numbers, hours, and websites on the current CPSC notice before contacting the firm.
Know someone who has one?
Recalls only work when owners hear about them. Send this notice to family or friends who might own the same product.
