CPSC Recall in 2013: Overstock.com Recalls High-Powered Magnet Sets Due to Ingestion Hazards

Updated on January 18, 2026.

See the recall details below. You can also see similar information for other consumer product recalls in 2013.

Data Source: CPSC.

Recall Number: 13-731

Date: April 15, 2013

Product Name: Buckyballs high-powered magnet sets

Recall Description:

This recall involves high-powered magnets sets with the brand name Buckyballs. The sets contain 216 silver-colored, spherical rare earth magnets, each about five millimeters in diameter.

Hazard Description:

When two or more magnets are swallowed, they can link together inside a child's intestines and clamp onto body tissues, causing intestinal obstructions, perforations, sepsis and death. Internal injury from magnets can pose serious lifelong health effects.

Consumer Action:

Remedy Type:

Refund

Units: 539

Incidents:

Overstock has received no reports of injuries. CPSC has received 54 reports of incidents involving children ingesting high-powered magnets resulting in 53 reports of medical intervention.

Sold At:

Overstock.com and retailers nationwide from November 2010 through July 2012 for about $20.

Manufactured In:

China