CPSC recall 14-056, announced December 12, 2013, covers Water-absorbing polymer toys (about 1,500 units). These soft and colorful products can be mistaken by a child for candy. The notice cites 1 incident report and 1 death. Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled polymer products and take them away from small children. Recall contact: call (239) 313-9779, or email whitmana@live.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.
The front of the larger bag had a multi-colored label with the words "Jelly BeadZ," "Easy to follow directions" and had instructions for use.
Which products are included?
Read the full CPSC product description and restrictions
This recall involves Doodlebutt Jelly BeadZ Jumbo BeadZ and Magic Growing Fruity Fun water-absorbing polymer toys. The toys can absorb from 300 to 500 times their weight in water and can grow up to eight times their original size. Jumbo BeadZ toys are marble-sized water-absorbing balls. They were sold in a package consisting of three separate 2.5-inch x 2-inch clear, resealable bags inside a 3.5-inch x 4-inch clear, resealable bag. Each smaller bag had eight to 12 water balls of slightly different sizes. The balls came in clear, blue, red, orange, yellow, green and purple colors. The front of the larger bag had a multi-colored label with the words "Jelly BeadZ," "Easy to follow directions" and had instructions for use. Magic Growing Fruity Fun toys are water-absorbing polymers in the shapes of apples, bananas, butterflies, cherries, grapes, pineapples, roses and strawberries. They were sold in 3.5-inch x 4-inch, clear, resealable bag with seven assorted shapes in it. They came in blue, green, orange, pink, red and yellow. The label on the front of the bag has the words "For 'Kidz' of All Ages," "Jelly BeadZ," "Bouncy and Beautiful," "Colorfast," "Non Toxic," "Safe for the Environment," and other words that describe uses for the product. The back of the package has two smaller labels. One label contains instructions for use and the other has a barcode with "XU00EC1JRN" beneath it.
Why it was recalled
These soft and colorful products can be mistaken by a child for candy. When swallowed, they can expand inside a child's body and cause intestinal obstructions, resulting in severe discomfort, vomiting, dehydration and could be life threatening. Similar toys have not shown up on x-rays and needed surgery to be removed from the body.
Incidents and injuries
None reported. CPSC is aware of one incident with a similar water-absorbing polymer ball product in which an 8-month-old girl ingested the ball and it had to be surgically removed and two cases outside of the U.S. with one death.
Official remedy
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled polymer products and take them away from small children. Consumers should contact Doodlebutt for a full refund.
Product and sales details
- Brand
- Doodlebutt, Lehigh Acres, Fla.
- Product type
- Toys & play sets
- Recall number
- 14-056
- Units
- About 1,500
- Manufactured in
- China
- Sold at / sales period
- Amazon.com from February 2012 through September 2013 for about $9
- Importer
- Doodlebutt, Lehigh Acres, Fla.
Water-absorbing polymer toys
CPSC product type: Toy Balls
Recall contact information
Doodlebutt, collect at (239) 313-9779 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or at e-mail whitmana@live.com.
Verify phone numbers, hours, and websites on the current CPSC notice before contacting the firm.
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Recalls only work when owners hear about them. Send this notice to family or friends who might own the same product.




