CPSC Filed Action To Recall Magnicube Magnet Balls, Cubes

Federal regulators have filed yet another administrative complaint to force a manufacturer to recall high-powered magnetic ball sets, which have been a focus of concern due to the risk of serious and potentially life-threatening internal injuries that may occur if children swallow more than one of the small magnets. 

On December 19, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced that they have taken steps to force a recall for Magnicube Magnet Balls and Magnet Cubes (PDF), filing an action to force Star Networks USA, LLC, the distributor of the toy sets, to remove the products from the market and offer consumers a full refund.

While administrative complaints have been extremely rare actions by the U.S. CPSC, this is at least the third such action taken in recent months to remove magnetic ball sets from the market. A federal judge will have to determine whether the complaint and the CPSC’s goals should be enforced.

The Magnicube Magnet Balls and Magnet Cubes are sets of 125 to 1,027 high-powered rare-earth magnets, shaped like spheres or cubes that are available in a variety of colors. An estimated 22,000 sets were sold for between $20 and $80.

The CPSC is trying to get all magnet ball sets, generally sold as office desk toys, off the market. The regulatory move comes after numerous reports of these magnets causing severe internal injuries to children and teens when two or more are swallowed, which can occur while attempting to simulate a tongue or cheek piercing. If swallowed, the high-powered magnets can attract across intestinal walls, potentially resulting in puncture, damage and obstruction of the digestive system, often requiring surgery to remove.

According to a recent report on the magentic ball safety concerns, an estimated 1,700 incidents involving children or teens swallowing the magnets have occurred since January 2009.

Despite efforts to place strong warning labels on the products, researchers found that the warning labels had no effect on making the products any safer for children, or stemming the tide of youths sent to emergency rooms; some of whom had sections of their bowels removed and face permanent digestive problems.

In July 2012, when the CPSC’s campaign started, 11 companies agreed to voluntarily remove their products. Star Networks was one of them. However, the CPSC claims the company later reneged on its commitment and tried to keep the toys on the market. It is the third company to face a CPSC administrative complaint in conjunction with toy magnet sets this year. Previously, the CPSC had virtually never used its administrative complaint power.

The other two companies targeted by administrative complaints were Zen Magnets, the makers of a product by the same name, and Maxfield & Oberton Holdings LLC, the makers of Buckyballs and Buckycubes. Maxfield & Oberton have since ceased sale of the Buckyball and Buckycube sets.