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Product Recall Number: 13-278

Why was Water-absorbing polymer beads recalled?

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.

Water-absorbing polymer beads
Here's product recall specific data for Water-absorbing polymer beads.

  • Product Recall Number: 13-278

  • Product Safety Warning Number:

  • Date: 2013-09-10

  • Product Safety Warning Date:

  • Name Of 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 Description: 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.

  • Consumer Action: None Listed

  • Original Product Safety Warning Announcement: None Listed

  • Remedy Type: Refund

  • Units: About 3,500

  • Incidents: 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.

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

  • Importers: None Listed

  • Manufacturers: None Listed

  • Distributors: None Listed

  • Manufactured In: China

  • Custom Label: None Listed

  • Custom Field: None Listed