Warning: Magnetic Chess Game Sold by JOMO Poses Serious Ingestion Hazard for Children

The Consumer Product and Safety Commission is warning consumers about a dangerous magnetic chess game that poses serious ingestion risks for children. The game, sold by China-based seller JOMO under the names “Magnetic”, “Magnetism”, or “Magnetism Intelligence Strategy Game”, contains magnets that do not comply with U.S. federal safety regulations.

The CPSC has issued a warning urging people to immediately dispose of the game, as the loose magnets can cause serious injury or death if ingested. Despite issuing a violation notice to JOMO, the company has not agreed to recall the product or provide a remedy, prompting the commission to advise consumers to stop using the game and throw it away.

Experts have highlighted the dangers of swallowing magnets, especially for children, as they can attract each other or other metal objects in the body and cause blockages, infections, blood poisoning, or even death. The CPSC estimates that thousands of magnet ingestions are treated in hospitals annually, with several related deaths reported over the years.

The games were sold online at walmart.com in a blue box labeled “Magnetic”, containing loose black magnets but not chess-shaped pieces as advertised. The CPSC is unable to provide further information on the duration of sales or specific details due to JOMO’s lack of cooperation. Consumers are advised to take immediate action to prevent any potential harm from the hazardous magnets.