More than 4,200 magnetic-ball sets sold at Walmart are recalled over swallowing hazard

The recall notice posted this week warns that more than 4,200 magnetic-ball sets sold at Walmart through Joybuy have individual balls that are too strong and too small to be safe, especially for children. The product in question is the rainbow-colored cube sold under the name “Relax 5mm Science Kit, Large Hematite Magnets Magnetic Stones Building Blocks,” which features 216 small magnetic balls. The product was sold in a clear plastic case with a portable tin storage box. The set also includes a black storage bag.

Consumers are warned to stop using the recalled magnetic balls immediately and to “take them away from children.” While there have been no reported incidents or injuries involving these magnets yet, the CPSC estimates that 2,400 cases of magnet ingestion were treated in hospital emergency departments between 2017 and 2021. The CPSC also writes that it is aware of at least seven deaths involving the ingestion of hazardous magnets, including two outside of the United States, although not from this particular magnet set.

What makes such tiny, powerful magnets so dangerous? “When high-powered magnets are swallowed, the ingested magnets can attract to each other, or to another metal object, and become lodged in the digestive system,” the recall notice explained. “This can result in perforations, twisting and/or blockage of the intestines, infection, blood poisoning, and death.” 

Consumers who recently purchased one of these magnet sets may hear from Joybuy directly, as the company is notifying all known buyers. Customers can also contact Joybuy to get a prepaid mailing label to return the recalled magnet set for a full refund.

Consumers can also call Joybuy Marketplace Express collect at 302-426-4543 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific time Monday through Friday, send an email to [email protected], or visit walmart.com/seller/16214 for more information.