CPSC Warns Consumers of Serious Ingestion Risks Posed by Magnetic Chess Games

The Consumer Product and Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a warning regarding a magnetic game that poses serious ingestion risks for children. The “Magnetic Chess Games” sold by China-based seller JOMO contain magnets that do not comply with U.S. federal safety regulations, making them hazardous.

According to the CPSC, the loose magnets in the game pose a risk of serious injury or death if ingested by children. Despite issuing a violation notice to JOMO, the company has not agreed to recall the games or provide a remedy. As a result, the commission is urging people to immediately stop using the game and dispose of it.

The games were sold online at Walmart.com in a blue box labeled “Magnetic” and contain about 20 loose black magnets, but not chess-shaped pieces as marketed. It is unclear when or for how long these games were sold, as JOMO is not cooperating with the CPSC.

Experts have long warned about the serious health hazards associated with swallowing magnets, especially for children. When high-powered magnets are ingested, they can attract each other or other metal objects in the body, leading to blockages, infections, blood poisoning, or even death.

The CPSC estimates that 2,400 magnet ingestions were treated in hospitals annually between 2017 and 2021, with eight related deaths reported from 2005 through 2021. Two of these deaths occurred outside the U.S.

Walmart has stated that customer health and safety are their top priority and has begun working to remove the games from their shelves following the CPSC warning. Parents and caregivers are urged to check their homes for these Magnetic Chess Games and dispose of them immediately to prevent any potential harm to children.