Health Canada warns of Xing da Toy magnet sets that pose serious and potentially life-threatening risks

Health Canada is warning Canadians of the serious danger posed by two magnet sets, Xing da Toy Circular Magnets and Xing da Toy Oval Magnets sold in Canada. These sets contain small, powerful magnets that can be easily swallowed by children of all ages resulting in potentially serious adverse effects on their health. When more than one powerful magnet is swallowed in a short period of time, the magnets can attract one another while moving through the intestines. This can cause the intestines to twist, creating blockages or tearing of the intestinal walls. The results of swallowing small, powerful magnets can be very serious and life-threatening. Swallowing incidents have often resulted in considerable damage to the gastrointestinal tissues and required emergency surgical treatment. For survivors, there can be long-term health consequences.

Physical hazard

Immediately stop using these magnet sets, check that all pieces are accounted for and contact your municipality for instructions on how to dispose of or recycle the products. Keep small magnet sets out of the reach of children. Do not allow children to play with small toys or other small items that contain powerful magnets. Check your children’s toys for wear and tear. Throw away any toys with magnets that have come loose. Teach children of all ages that magnets and items containing magnets should never be placed in their mouth or nose. Seek immediate medical attention for any child who has swallowed (or is suspected of having swallowed) one or more magnets. Read and follow the age recommendations, warnings, safety messages and assembly instructions for products. Regularly check the Healthy Canadians Recalls and Safety Alerts database for dangerous toys and take action to remove toys of concern.