Health Canada has issued a recall notice for STAX’s magnetic building blocks, specifically the “insane” variant, citing concerns about potential ingestion hazards for children of all ages. The recall notice, dated Wednesday, outlines that these products do not meet the magnetic force requirements as specified in the Toys Regulations, thus posing an ingestion risk.
The primary concern, as highlighted by Health Canada, is the potential danger when multiple strong magnets are ingested in a short time frame. These magnets have the ability to attract each other while moving through the intestines, which could result in the twisting of the intestines, leading to blockages or tears in the intestinal walls—a serious medical emergency.
The recalled magnetic building blocks were manufactured in China and are sold in sets, each containing 28 individual pieces along with one magnetic tray. These sets are available in a variety of six different colors and styles, making them particularly appealing to children. In total, 702 sets of these magnets were sold across Canada, with sales occurring between August 2018 and September 2023.
Despite the considerable number of sets sold, as of September 22, there have been no reports of incidents or injuries related to these products in Canada. However, Health Canada is taking preemptive action to prevent any potential harm.
Health Canada has advised consumers who have purchased these magnetic building blocks to cease using them immediately and return the product to the retailer where it was originally purchased in Canada. This action aims to prevent any potential risk to children and to ensure the safety of Canadian families.
Parents and caregivers are urged to be vigilant and follow the recall instructions, as the safety of children is of paramount importance. STAX’s magnetic building blocks may be a popular choice for creative play, but their potential ingestion hazard underscores the importance of adhering to safety standards when it comes to children’s toys.