CPSC recall 13-731, announced April 15, 2013, covers Maxfield & Oberton Buckyballs high-powered magnet sets (539 units). When two or more magnets are swallowed, they can link together inside a child's intestines and clamp onto body tissues, causing intestinal obstructions, perforations, sepsis and death. The notice cites 54 incident reports. Overstock.com will contact each purchasing customer directly to coordinate the recall. Recall contact: go to www.overstock.com, or email miscellaneous@overstock.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 high-powered magnets sets with the brand name Buckyballs. The sets contain 216 silver-colored, spherical rare earth magnets, each about five millimeters in diameter.
Confirm these details on the official CPSC noticeWhy it was recalled
When two or more magnets are swallowed, they can link together inside a child's intestines and clamp onto body tissues, causing intestinal obstructions, perforations, sepsis and death. Internal injury from magnets can pose serious lifelong health effects.
Incidents and injuries
Overstock has received no reports of injuries. CPSC has received 54 reports of incidents involving children ingesting high-powered magnets resulting in 53 reports of medical intervention.
Official remedy
Overstock.com will contact each purchasing customer directly to coordinate the recall. Consumers should stop using the recalled high-powered magnet sets immediately, take all associated individual magnets away from children and teenagers, and contact Overstock.com for a full refund.
Product and sales details
- Brand
- Maxfield & Oberton
- Recall number
- 13-731
- Units
- 539
- Manufactured in
- China
- Sold at / sales period
- Overstock.com and retailers nationwide from November 2010 through July 2012 for about $20.
- Importer
- Maxfield & Oberton LLC
Buckyballs high-powered magnet sets
CPSC product type: Magnets
Recall contact information
Overstock.com Inc. at e-mail miscellaneous@overstock.com or online at www.overstock.com 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.
