CPSC recall 13-278, announced September 10, 2013, covers Eco-Novelty Water-absorbing polymer beads (about 3,500 units). The hard and colorful toy can be easily mistaken for candy by a child. The notice cites 1 incident report. Consumers should immediately take this recalled toy away from children and contact Eco-Novelty for a refund. Recall contact: call (231) 222-4200, or email admin@econoveltycorp.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?
Cosmo Beads Jumbo Size Colorful Water Balls and Jumbo Multipurpose Colorful Water Balls toys are being recalled. The toys are water absorbing beads that when placed in water will hydrate up to the size of a racquetball. On the front of the toy packages it states Cosmo Beads ™ Colorful Water Balls, Just Add Water, Biodegradable, Non-toxic and Colorfast. The packages have yellow and black color on the upper left corner and red in the lower right corner. The beads can be seen through an oval, cellophane window near the bottom of the package. Cosmo Beads Jumbo Size were sold as single packets of beads in various colors: clear, green, purple, red and mixed colors. Each packet contains a variety of bead sizes. The front of the Jumbo Size package has a picture of a hand holding two water balls and the words "Grows up to 600X (1.5") Size." Cosmo Beads Jumbo Multipurpose came in three packets per set. Each packet contains beads in one size and comes in clear, dark purple and orange colors. The front of the Jumbo Multipurpose packet has a picture of flowers in a glass vase and the words "Deco Centerpiece: Toys-Games: Plant-Vacation watering."
Confirm these details on the official CPSC noticeWhy it was recalled
The hard and colorful toy can be easily mistaken for candy by a child. When the bead is ingested, it expands and can cause intestinal obstructions inside a child's body, resulting in severe discomfort, vomiting, dehydration and could be life threatening. The toys need surgery to be removed from the body. Similar toys have not shown up on x-rays.
Incidents and injuries
None reported. CPSC is aware of one incident where an 8-month-old girl ingested a similar water-absorbing polymer ball that had to be surgically removed.
Official remedy
Consumers should immediately take this recalled toy away from children and contact Eco-Novelty for a refund.
Product and sales details
- Brand
- Eco-Novelty
- Product type
- Toys & play sets
- Recall number
- 13-278
- Units
- About 3,500
- Manufactured in
- China
- Sold at / sales period
- Amazon.com, ifleemarket.com and crystalsoilusa.com from June 2011 through August 2013 for between $2 and $20.
- Importer
- Eco-Novelty Corp., of Troy, Mich.
Water-absorbing polymer beads
CPSC product type: Toy Balls
Recall contact information
Eco Novelty Corp. at (231) 222-4200 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or e-mail admin@econoveltycorp.com.
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.
