Recall: Buckyballs High Powered Magnets Sets Recalled by Maxfield and Oberton Due to Violation of Federal Toy Standard

Buckyballs® High Powered Magnets Sets Recalled by Maxfield and Oberton Due to Violation of Federal Toy Standard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of Product: Buckyballs® High Powered Magnets Sets

Units: About 175,000

Importer: Maxfield and Oberton LLC, of New York, N.Y.

Hazard: The high powered magnets sets were labeled "Ages 13+" and do not meet the mandatory toy standard F963-08 (effective August 17, 2009) which requires that such powerful magnets are not sold for children under 14. Magnets found by young children can be swallowed or aspirated. If more than one magnet is swallowed, the magnets can attract each other and cause intestinal perforations or blockages, which can be fatal.

Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received two reports of children swallowing one or more magnets. No injuries were reported.

Description: This recall involves the Buckyballs® high powered magnets sets labeled "Ages 13+". The set contains 216 powerful rare earth magnets. It is intended to build unlimited shapes and patterns. Since March 2010, Buckyballs® high powered magnets sets were labeled "Keep Away From All Children" and are not being recalled.

Sold at: The recalled magnets were sold at a variety of stores, including stores selling children's toys, stationery and office supplies and various online sites from March 2009 through March 2010.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should take the Buckyballs® high powered magnets sets labeled "Ages 13+" away from children under 14 immediately and contact Maxfield and Oberton for instructions on receiving a refund upon return of a complete set of magnets.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Maxfield and Oberton at (888) 847-8716 between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or visit the firm's website at www.maxfieldandobertonsafety.com