The consumer watchdog has ordered online retailers including Amazon and eBay to halt sales of a range of toys and games products – including chess sets – marketed for children that contain potentially deadly magnets if swallowed.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) said it is investigating the supply of banned and potentially deadly toys and games containing small high-powered magnets, including “magnetic chess” or “magnetic battle chess” style games.
The ACCC said it has sent Amazon, eBay, Kogan and Fruugo take down requests for the affected products and sought additional measures to be taken to prevent sellers relisting the same or similar products. It said the retailers had committed to these actions.
Certain separable or loose, small, high-powered magnets are covered by a permanent ban under law because of the danger of injury or death if swallowed.
ACCC deputy chair Catriona Lowe said the magnets were a choking risk, but could also wreak havoc with internal organs.
“Small high-powered magnets can cause catastrophic, life-threatening internal injuries if swallowed, particularly for young children. Multiple magnets can stick together in the intestine or digestive tissue,” she said.
“We are extremely concerned that our investigation has detected sellers listing these banned products on online marketplaces, and we urge all online marketplaces to do more to prevent listings of these products to keep consumers, and especially young children, safe,” Lowe said.
Lowe urged anyone who had bought affected products to stop using them and keep them out of reach of children. She said they could contact the seller for a refund.
Elias Visontay is a National Consumer Affairs Reporter at The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age.Connect via email.From our partners
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