The toy has been recalled from online marketplaces after safety fears arose
A toy popular with children sold online has been recalled (Image: Office for Product Safety and Standards)
A toy popular with children sold online has been recalled after it was found to have a “serious risk of injuries”, with parents warned not to let their kids use the item. The Office for Product Safety and Standards said the SOPPYCID Refillable Water Balloon was being sold via the site Fruugo.
A statement from the product safety department said: “This product presents a serious risk of injuries because it contains accessible magnets with a magnetic flux index that exceeds the acceptable level.
“Small, high-powered magnetic products can easily be swallowed and, when ingested, have the potential to cause serious internal injuries within the gastrointestinal tract. The product also requires improvement to marking, labelling and documentation.”
It added a “corrective action” and “the product has been recalled from end users. The listings have been removed by the online marketplace (Fruugo)”.
The water balloons have been ordered to be recalled (Image: Office for Product Safety and Standards)
The statement about the children’s toy added the product did not meet the regulations of the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011.
The toy was described as a “bag of colourful reusable water balloons, sealed with magnets” and the country of origin was said to be China. As part of the warning the Office for Product Safety and Standards said the toy came with the Fruugo ID: 163265041-347067855 and 286517565-639126534.
A recent study by the University of Southampton found around 300 UK youngsters were admitted to A&E in a single year after ingesting magnets, with one in 10 requiring life-saving operations.
Doctors also revealed that children who swallow two or more magnets were at a far higher risk of long-term damage, as the pieces can clamp together in their tummy.
The toy has been issued with a recall by the Office for Product Safety and Standards (Image: Office for Product Safety and Standards)
Doctors also revealed that children who swallow two or more magnets were at a far higher risk of long-term damage, as the pieces can clamp together in their stomach.
Lead author Professor of Paediatric Surgery Nigel Hall, who works at the University and Southampton Children’s Hospital, said manufacturers must do more to increase warnings on magnetic toy labels.
He added: “Our study reveals that 300 children and young people are being hospitalised each year in the UK after ingesting magnets.
“These magnets have potential to harm a large number of children and young people and increase work for the NHS.
“Yet many magnetic toys provide very little warning for parents and caregivers of the dangers they pose, particularly those purchased from online marketplaces.
“Having an unplanned emergency operation is a traumatic experience for any child and their family – and needing a surgical procedure means time in hospital for days after.
“Around one in 10 of these young patients had surgery with most ending up with serious problems, like needing part of their bowel removed or requiring a stoma.”
Advice for keeping children safe around magnets from the Child Accident Prevention Trust
Working alongside the University of Southampton study, the Child Accident Prevention Trust offers five tips for parents and guardians to keep youngsters safe.
1. If you have small children, don’t have small loose magnets in the house.
2. Small magnetic fidget sets for adults or older children can be very dangerous for any age child if they swallow the magnets.
3. Only buy magnetic toys from reputable retailers or brand names you know.
4. Never buy cheap magnetic toys or products from third-party sellers on online marketplaces
5. If you think your child may have swallowed magnets go straight to A&E or call an ambulance.
