Chinese-made magnetic toys are recalled

Washington -- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced the recall of approximately 1.1 million Magtastic- and Magnetix Jr.-brand preschool magnetic toys.

The CPSC said the Chinese-manufactured toys contain magnets in the small flexible parts of the animals, vehicles and building sets that can detach. Magnets found by young children can be swallowed or aspirated, presenting a serious health hazard.

The importer, Mega Brands Inc. of Livingston, N.J., said it has received 19 reports of magnets coming loose, including one report of a 3-year-old boy receiving medical treatment to remove a magnet from his nasal cavity and one report of an 18-month-old boy with a magnet in his mouth, which wasn't swallowed.

The recalled Magtastik and Magnetix Jr. toys include model numbers 427, 468, 428, 467, 429, 465, 431, 496, 434, 424, 435, 425, 445, 426, 456, 423, 461, 433, 462, 436, 466, 446 and 469. The model number is printed on the front of the product's packaging.

The toys were sold nationwide from January 2005 through December 2007 for between $10 and $40.

Consumers can contact the company for refund instructions at 800-779-7122.

Copyright 2008 by United Press International.