Issue Date:  -  Monday, 1 May 2006

Ingested magnets a real danger - Recall of Magnetix toys

Toys costing between $20 and $70 that include magnets have resulted in a nine-year-old NSW boy requiring surgery for intestinal perforations and twisting, as well as a bowel obstruction and internal bleeding, after he swallowed several of the small magnets.

Magnetix and other similar toys that operate on the same principle of small components being joined together with magnets have been recalled from sale across Australia.

“In addition to the dreadful incident in the East, thirty four incidents including one death of an infant in the United States have been reported in relation to small magnets being used in building sets and similar toys,” Consumer Protection Commissioner Patrick Walker said.

The makers of Magnetix Hunter Overseas Pty Ltd have been co-operating with Consumer Protection authorities in NSW, although the recall applies nationally.

“Any small toys or toys that have small parts that can detach present a choking or inhalation hazard to young children. But these small magnets are especially dangerous as once they have been swallowed, they attract to each other causing blockages and serious internal organ damage,” Commissioner Walker said.

A product recall notice has appeared in The West Australian newspaper. This recall applies to products where the magnets have become dislodged.

Consumers who have Magnetix toy building sets or similar products should immediately check to ensure that the magnets have not become dislodged or loose, and if so should secure the product away from small children.

Hunter Overseas Pty Ltd can be contacted to have the products replaced or for refunds at email enquiries@hunteroverseas.com.au or on free call 1800 224 094.

Consumer Protection’s Product Safety investigators can be contacted on telephone 1300 30 40 54 or email consumer@docep.wa.gov.au  .