Products Liability Law Daily Wrap Up, CPSC NEWS—CHILDREN’S PRODUCTS—CPSC warns against use of Zhengtongfu's magnetic chess games due to ingestion risk, (Sep 30, 2024)

By WK Editorial Staff

The products violate federal safety regulations.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a warning to consumers to stop using magnetic chess games sold by Zhengtongfu, of China. CPSC's tests revealed that the magnets in the games do not meet the mandatory federal regulation for magnet toys, posing a risk of serious injury or death if swallowed by children. Despite the Commission issuing a Notice of Violation, Zhengtongfu has not agreed to recall the games or offer a remedy to consumers (CPSC Press Release, No. 24-375 (Sept. 26, 2024)).

Ingested magnets can attract to each other or to other metal objects, leading to obstructions, perforations, or twisting in the digestive system, which can cause infection, blood poisoning, and even death. CPSC estimates that there have been around 2,400 cases of magnet ingestion treated in hospitals annually from 2017 to 2021. It has also recorded eight deaths related to magnet ingestion since 2005, two of which occurred outside the U.S.

The games, sold online at Amazon for roughly $16, come in a blue box labeled "Magnetic" and include about 20 loose black magnets, a yellow string, and a plastic drawstring storage bag. The Commission is urging consumers to stop using the games immediately, keep them away from children, and dispose of them safely. Consumers are also advised not to sell or give away these hazardous games and to report any incidents involving injury or product defect to CPSC at www.SaferProducts.gov.

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