US regulator sounds alarm over Doraemon toy magnets after seven deaths
THE US consumer protection authority on Thursday (Dec 21) warned people to immediately stop using Chinese seller Doraemon’s magnetic ball sets, after its loose, hazardous magnets resulted in seven deaths from ingestion.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) determined that the Doraemon Dovfun Suit Magnetic Ball Sets contained one or more magnets that were smaller and stronger than permitted under federal toy regulation requirements.
The toys were sold online at Amazon.com for about US$25, in sets encased in a clear-plastic case in a portable tin storage box.
The CPSC said an estimated 2,400 magnet ingestions were treated in hospital emergency departments from 2017 through 2021. It has also become aware of seven deaths, including two outside the US.
“When high-powered magnets are swallowed, the ingested magnets can attract to each other, or to another metal object, and become lodged in the digestive system,” the CPSC said in a statement.
The regulator said Doraemon was issued a notice of violation, but the seller has not agreed to recall these magnetic ball sets or offer a remedy to consumers.
The seller could not be reached for comment. REUTERS
Share with us your feedback on BT's products and services
