CPSC Warns Consumers to Immediately Stop Using Mei Xiang/MXYY Magnetic Chess Sets Due to Ingestion Risk; Violation of federal magnetic toy safety regulations

WASHINGTON , May 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is warning consumers to immediately stop using and discard the Mei Xiang/MXYY Magnetic Chess Game because loose, unsafe magnets pose a risk of serious injury or death if consumed 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, Mei Xiang/MXYY, but the company did not agree to recall Magnetic Game or offer a remedy to consumers.

The games were sold in a blue box with the words “Magnetic” and “Magnetic Chess Intellectual Strategy Game” on the front of the box. The game includes approximately 20 loose black magnets, a blue foam game board, yellow string, and a clear plastic drawstring storage bag with a drawing of a bear and the words “Popular Broun” on the front of the bag and the words “Especially for You” on the back of the bag. The CPSC found this violation through import surveillance. Based on reviews of similar products, the CPSC believes the magnetic games were sold online at www.amazon.com for approximately $12.

The CPSC urges consumers to immediately stop using magnetic chess games, take them away from their children and throw them away.

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

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

About the American CPSC
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death associated with the use of thousands of types of consumer products. Deaths, injuries and property damage from consumer product incidents cost the nation more than $1 trillion annually. The CPSC’s work to ensure the safety of consumer products has contributed to a decline in the rate of consumer product-related injuries over the past 50 years.

Federal law prohibits any person from selling products that are subject to a Commission-ordered recall or a voluntary recall undertaken in consultation with the CPSC.

Lifesaving information:
– Visit CPSC.gov.
– Sign up to receive our email alerts.
– Follow us on Facebook, Instagram @USCPSC and Twitter @USCPSC.
– Report an unsafe product or product-related injury at www.SaferProducts.gov.
– Call the CPSC hotline at 800-638-2772 (TTY 301-595-7054).
– Contact your media specialist.

Issue number: 24-245

View original content to download media: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cpsc-warns-consumers-to-immediately-stop-using-mei-xiangmxyy-magnetic-chess-games-due-to- ingestion-threat-of-violation-of-federal-safety-regulations-for-magnetic-toys-302159444.html

SOURCE U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission