CPSC Warns Consumers of Hazardous Magnetic Chess Games Sold by Maemall

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is issuing a warning to consumers regarding Magnetic Chess Games sold by Maemall, as the loose magnets in the game pose a serious risk of injury or death if ingested by children.

CPSC testing has revealed that the magnets in the game do not comply with federal regulations for magnet toys, as they contain strong magnets that can fit within CPSC’s small parts cylinder. When these high-powered magnets are swallowed, they can attract to each other or to other metal objects, leading to potentially fatal complications such as intestinal blockages, infections, and even death.

According to CPSC estimates, there have been 2,400 magnet ingestions treated in hospital emergency departments annually from 2017 through 2021, with eight reported deaths since 2005, including two outside of the United States.

Despite CPSC issuing a Notice of Violation to Maemall, the Chinese seller of the Magnetic Chess Games, the firm has not agreed to recall the product or offer a remedy to consumers. The games were sold in a blue box labeled “Magnetic” and included loose black magnets, a yellow string, a plastic drawstring storage bag, and instructions for play. They were sold online at Walmart.com for approximately $14.

Consumers are urged to immediately stop using the magnetic chess games, keep them away from children, and dispose of them properly. Any incidents involving injury or product defects should be reported to CPSC at www.SaferProducts.gov.

Individual Commissioners may have statements related to this issue, which can be found on the CPSC website at www.cpsc.gov/commissioners. Stay informed and stay safe.