Recall Issued on Magnetic Balls Sold Exclusively at Walmart, Causes Choking Hazard for Kids

A set of magnetic balls sold at Walmart has been recalled after regulators issued warnings that the magnets were a choking hazard for kids.

Walmart recalled its "Relax 5mm Science Kit, Large Hematite Magnets Magnetic Stones Building Blocks," sold exclusively online through Joybuy.

The magnetic ball sets were recalled because they "do not comply with the requirements of the mandatory federal magnet regulation because the sets contain one or more magnets that fit within CPSC's small parts cylinder and the magnets are stronger than permitted," according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Because the magnets are stronger than permitted, if they are swallowed, the ingested magnets can attract to each other or another metal object and become lodged in the digestive system, which can result in "perforations, twisting and/or blockage of the intestines, infection, blood poisoning, and death."

According to the CPSC, consumers should "stop using the recalled magnetic balls immediately, take them away from children, and contact Joybuy to receive a pre-paid label to return the recalled products for a full refund."

An estimated 4,240 units were sold from February 2022 through April 2023 for between $14 and $15. Joybuy is notifying all known purchasers directly.