CONSUMER NEWS    RECALLS    COMPLAINT FORM    SCAM ALERTS  


Complain about a product or service

Small Claims Guide | Class Actions | Lemon Law | FAQ | Resources | Newsletters | Spanish
Automotive    Education    Electronics    Family    Finance    Health    Homeowners    Shopping    Travel   
NEWS   Latest |  Archives |  Auto |  Cells, etc. |  Computers |  Financial |  Health |  Homeowners |  Parents |  Privacy |  Scams |  Seniors |  Travel

New Jersey Follows Up on Magnetix "Recall"

Feds Allow Toy Construction Sets to Remain in Stores Despite Child's Death



April 4, 2006

Magnetix
Magnetix
Magnetix Building Set Recall Expanded
Magnetix Was Warned of Toy's Danger Prior to Child's Death
New Jersey Follows Up on Magnetix "Recall"
Child's Death Prompts Partial Recall of Magnetic Building Sets

Federal safety officials are allowing a dangerous toy construction set to remain on store shelves despite the death of one child and serious injuries to several others. But in New Jersey, stores are being put on notice that they must post the federal "recall" notice prominently.

Last week, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued a recall notice for Magnetix magnetic construction sets after a 21-month-old boy died from swallowing small magnets from the set. The death of Kenneth W. Sweet Jr. was one of at least 34 incidents involving the popular game, which is sold at Wal-Mart, Target, Toys R Us, Fred Meyer, Design Science Toys Ltd., A.C. Moore and other stores nationwide.

But the federal recall does not affect Magnetix sets now on store shelves.

In New Jersey, state and county consumer affairs personnel are visiting retail stores to make sure stores that sell the Magnetix toy sets have posted the CPSC Recall Notice in three places: on the shelf where the Magnetix toy sets are stocked, at the check-out register and at the front of the store.

Under New Jersey law, retailers are required to display notice when "notified by a manufacturer, a distributor or the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission of a defective or hazardous toy or other article intended for use by children...if the dealer has carried or normally carries such item."

"We will be checking to make sure retailers that carry the Magnetix sets are disclosing the potential hazard of this product to the public as legally required," Attorney General Zulima V. Farber said.

The CPSC reported 34 incidents to date involving the small magnets in the Magnetix sets. Kenny Sweet died after he swallowed magnets that twisted his small intestine and created a blockage. Three children ages three to eight sustained intestinal damage that required surgery and hospitalization in intensive care. A five-year-old aspirated two magnets that were surgically removed from his lung.

"These incidents are vivid reminders that we need to protect our youngest and most vulnerable residents," Consumer Affairs Director Kimiberly Ricketts said. "The danger is real, and working with retailers, we hope to prevent further tragedies."

The CPSC Recall Notice advises that consumers who have already purchased the magnetic sets should stop using them immediately and return them to Rose Art Industries for a free replacement suitable for young children under the age of six. For additional information, contact Rose Art at 800-779-7122 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Friday or via the company’s Web site, www.roseart.com.

Report Your Experience
If you've had a bad experience -- or a good one -- with a consumer product or service, we'd like to hear about it. All complaints are reviewed by class action attorneys and are considered for publication on our site. Knowledge is power! Help spread the word. File your consumer report now.


Consumer News

July 9 2008

Recent Recalls & Safety Alerts

Print, mail, etc.




FREE CONSUMER NEWSLETTERS

The Daily Consumer
Afternoons M-F

Sign up now!


Consumer News & Alerts
Every Sunday

Sign up now!


Knowledge is free.
Knowledge is power.

Back to the top |

Advertisement


Home | Rogues Gallery | Good Guys | Complaint Form | News | Recalls | Search | Video | FAQ |
Consumer Resources | Small Claims Guide | Lemon Law | Newsletter | Contact Us
Advertise With Us | Testimonials | Newsroom | RSS Feeds | Radio | Job Postings




Terms of Use Your use of this site constitutes acceptance of the Terms of Use

Advertisements on this site are placed and controlled by outside advertising networks. ConsumerAffairs.com does not evaluate or endorse the products and services advertised. See the FAQ for more information.

Company Response Welcome If complaints about your company appear on our site, we welcome your response. Please see the Response Form for more information.

For more information, see the FAQ and privacy policy. The information on this Web site is general in nature and is not intended as a substitute for competent legal advice.  ConsumerAffairs.com Inc. makes no representation as to the accuracy of the information herein provided and assumes no liability for any damages or loss arising from the use thereof. 

Copyright © 2003-2008 ConsumerAffairs.com Inc.  All Rights Reserved.