CPSC warns consumers to immediately stop using magnetic chess games Lihailidebeimeidianpu due to ingestion risk and violation of federal safety regulations for magnetic toys

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is warning consumers to immediately stop using and dispose of Lihailidebeimeidianpu’s magnetic chess sets because the loose, dangerous magnets pose a risk of serious injury or death if swallowed by children.

CPSC testing has determined that the magnets do not meet mandatory federal regulations for magnetic toys because they contain one or more magnets that fit within the CPSC small parts cylinder and the magnets are stronger than permitted.

If high-powered magnets are swallowed, they may be attracted to each other or to another metal object and become stuck in the digestive system. This can result in perforation, twisting and/or blockage of the intestines, infection, blood poisoning and death.

The CPSC estimates that between 2017 and 2021, 2,400 people were treated in hospital emergency departments for swallowing magnets. The CPSC is aware of eight deaths since 2005 involving the ingestion of dangerous magnets, including two outside the United States.

The CPSC issued a notice of infringement to the seller, Lihailidebeimeidianpu of China, but the company did not agree to recall the magnetic chess games or offer a remedy to consumers.

The games were sold in a blue box with the word “Magnetic” written on the front and back of the box. The game includes approximately 20 loose black magnets, yellow string, a plastic drawstring storage bag, and game instructions. The magnetic chess pieces were sold online at www.amazon.com for about $9.

The CPSC urges consumers to stop using magnetic chess sets immediately, take them away from children and discard them.

Report any incidents involving personal injury or product defects to the CPSC at www.SaferProducts.gov.

Individual commissioners may make statements on this subject. Please visit www.cpsc.gov/commissioners to search for statements related to this or other topics.