Water-absorbing polymer beads

CPSC Recall #13-278 — September 10, 2013

Recall #13-278 Date: September 10, 2013 Remedy: Refund

Product

Water-absorbing polymer beads

Description

The hard and colorful toy can be easily mistaken for candy by a child. If swallowed, the balls can expand inside the body and block the intestine and can be life-threatening.

Hazard

The hard and colorful toy can be easily mistaken for candy by a child. When the bead is ingested, it expands and can cause intestinal obstructions inside a child's body, resulting in severe discomfort, vomiting, dehydration and could be life threatening. The toys need surgery to be removed from the body. Similar toys have not shown up on x-rays.

Incidents / Injuries

None reported. CPSC is aware of one incident where an 8-month-old girl ingested a similar water-absorbing polymer ball that had to be surgically removed. 

Remedy

Consumers should immediately take this recalled toy away from children and contact Eco-Novelty for a refund.

Units Affected

About 3,500

Sold At

Amazon.com, ifleemarket.com and crystalsoilusa.com from June 2011 through August 2013 for between $2 and $20.

Manufactured In

China