What was recalled
In a significant safety alert issued on May 14, 2026, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced the immediate recall of specific lithium coin batteries distributed under the brand name LiCB. This action targets products manufactured by Guangzhou Lichengbei Battery Technology Co., Ltd., which operates commercially as LiCB and is based in China. The recall encompasses a precise range of three-volt silver button cell batteries, specifically identified by the model designation "CR2032." These identifiers are critical for consumers to verify because they are embossed directly onto the surface of each individual battery unit and are also clearly printed on the exterior packaging.
The product in question was marketed and sold in small, consumer-friendly packs. Specifically, these were sold as sets containing two individual packs, with each pack housing five batteries, resulting in a total of ten CR2032 lithium coin batteries per retail unit. The branding "LiCB" is prominently displayed on the packaging to identify the manufacturer, making it distinct from other generic or competing battery brands that may look similar but are not part of this specific safety notice. Consumers who purchased these items should carefully inspect both the physical batteries and their outer containers for these exact markings.
These recalled batteries were imported into the United States and sold exclusively through the online marketplace Amazon by the seller LiCB. The distribution channel is narrow but significant, as online retail platforms often aggregate products from various international manufacturers, making it essential for shoppers to check the specific brand and seller details on their receipts or order confirmation emails. If you ordered these batteries from Amazon under the LiCB brand listing, your product falls within the scope of this recall.
The decision to issue this recall stems from a direct violation of federal law, specifically Reese’s Law. This statute mandates that certain button cell and coin batteries must be packaged in child-resistant packaging and bear specific warning labels to prevent accidental ingestion by young children. The LiCB batteries failed to meet these statutory requirements. They were distributed without the necessary child-resistant closures and lacked the federally mandated warning labels. Consequently, any consumer who possesses these specific LiCB-branded CR2032 batteries purchased from Amazon between their availability and the recall date is holding a product that does not comply with U.S. safety standards for hazardous consumer goods.
The hazard, explained
To understand why this recall is so urgent, it helps to look past the simple label of "ingestion" and examine what physically happens inside the body when a lithium coin battery becomes trapped. The danger does not stem primarily from the battery’s weight or its size alone, but from a rapid and aggressive electrochemical reaction that occurs upon contact with bodily fluids. When a child swallows one of these CR2032 batteries, it often gets lodged in the esophagus—the tube connecting the mouth to the stomach—because the diameter of a three-volt silver battery is surprisingly similar to the width of a young child’s throat. Once stuck, the battery cannot move forward or backward easily, creating a perfect seal against the delicate tissue.
This seal is what turns a choking hazard into a chemical burn hazard. Because the battery remains in contact with moist tissue, it completes an electrical circuit. The body’s natural fluids act as an electrolyte, allowing current to flow from the negative side of the battery to the positive side. This external current generates hydroxide ions at the negative pole of the battery, creating a highly alkaline environment with a pH level that can reach 13 or higher. In plain terms, this is essentially a strong lye-based chemical burn occurring directly against living tissue. The damage begins within just two hours of ingestion and can progress to full-thickness necrosis, meaning the tissue dies completely, in as little as four to six hours.
The CPSC notes that these specific LiCB batteries violate federal statutes because they lack child-resistant packaging and the mandatory warning labels required under Reese’s Law. Without those protective barriers and clear visual warnings, a curious toddler can easily access these shiny, coin-sized objects, which might look like candy or toys to them. The absence of proper labeling means caregivers may not immediately recognize the specific danger profile of these particular cells, delaying critical action.
The resulting injury is severe because it happens from the inside out. As the tissue breaks down, it can lead to perforation—a hole in the esophageal wall. This is particularly terrifying because the esophagus sits directly next to major blood vessels, including the aorta and pulmonary arteries. If the battery corrodes through the esophagus and damages one of these vessels, it can cause massive, life-threatening bleeding that may occur days or even weeks after the initial ingestion. This delayed complication is why medical experts emphasize that even if a child seems fine after swallowing a battery, immediate emergency care is non-negotiable.
Furthermore, while the primary mechanism of injury in this scenario is chemical burning due to electrical current generation, it is important to distinguish this from other types of poisoning. Unlike toxic substances that require large quantities to cause harm, a single CR2032 lithium coin battery contains enough energy and reactive materials to cause catastrophic damage to a small child’s internal structures very quickly. The lack of child-resistant packaging on these recalled items removes the first line of defense, leaving the physical vulnerability of the child as the only barrier against this rapid chemical injury.
Who is most at risk
When we talk about the safety of lithium coin batteries, particularly those sold under the LiCB brand in this specific recall, we are primarily concerned with one group: young children. The hazard described by the CPSC is not a gradual wear-and-tear issue; it is an immediate, acute danger that manifests almost entirely through ingestion. Therefore, the individuals at greatest risk are toddlers and infants who are in the developmental stage of exploring their environment orally. This behavior is completely normal for children under the age of three. At this age, curiosity drives them to put small objects into their mouths to understand texture, shape, and taste. Because these recalled batteries were sold in packs without child-resistant packaging, a curious child can access them with frightening ease. A standard blister pack or a loose container offers no barrier to a determined toddler’s fingers or teeth.
The reason children are uniquely vulnerable goes beyond simple curiosity. It comes down to anatomy and physiology. A young child’s esophagus is narrow, which means that if they swallow a coin battery, it can become lodged in the tissue of their throat or upper digestive tract much more easily than it would in an adult. Once stuck, the battery creates an electrical circuit with the moist tissues of the body. This reaction generates hydroxide, a caustic substance that causes severe chemical burns to the surrounding tissue. These injuries can occur in as little as two hours. The damage is not limited to the mouth; it can perforate the esophagus, leading to life-threatening bleeding or damage to nearby major blood vessels like the aorta. For a small child, whose body mass is lower and tissues are more delicate, the margin for error is virtually non-existent.
While children are the primary demographic at risk, it is important to acknowledge that any individual who might accidentally swallow these batteries is in danger, regardless of age. However, adults are generally less likely to ingest them voluntarily or accidentally due to better motor control and awareness of what is safe to put in their mouths. That said, elderly individuals or those with cognitive impairments who may have difficulty managing small objects or understanding safety warnings could also be at risk, though this is less common in the context of coin battery ingestion incidents. The LiCB batteries, being standard CR2032 models often found in remote controls, calculators, and key fobs, are ubiquitous in households. This ubiquity increases the likelihood that they will be within reach of young children who might mistake them for candies or toys. The lack of Reese’s Law-compliant warning labels on these specific units further compounds the risk, as it removes a critical visual cue that might otherwise alert caregivers to the danger. Therefore, the intersection of accessibility, child-like behavior, and severe biological vulnerability makes young children the most critically endangered group in this recall scenario.
How to tell if you have the recalled item
If you recently purchased lithium coin batteries from Amazon under the brand name LiCB, it is critical to verify whether your specific units are part of this recall before using them or storing them in any remote control or device. Because these batteries look identical to many other standard CR2032 cells available on the market, visual inspection and packaging checks are your first line of defense. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has identified a very specific set of characteristics for the affected products. To determine if your batteries are among the 140,000 units recalled, you must look for several distinct markers that differentiate this batch from safe, compliant alternatives.
First, examine the brand identity on both the battery and its original packaging. The recall specifically targets lithium coin batteries manufactured by Guangzhou Lichengbei Battery Technology Co., Ltd., which operates under the trade name LiCB. If you purchased these items directly from Amazon, check the seller information or the product listing details for this specific brand name. It is possible that other sellers may carry similar-looking batteries, but only those explicitly branded as LiCB are subject to this particular safety notice. Do not assume that all CR2032 batteries are unsafe; the hazard here is tied directly to this manufacturer’s failure to comply with federal packaging laws.
Next, inspect the physical battery itself and its immediate container. The recalled items are three-volt silver-colored coin batteries. You should look closely at the surface of the battery for embossed text. The brand name "LiCB" and the model designation "CR2032" should be clearly embossed into the metal casing. If the text is printed rather than raised, or if these markings are absent, the battery likely does not belong to this specific recalled lot. However, the most telling sign of danger is what is missing. These recalled batteries do not feature the child-resistant packaging required by Reese’s Law, nor do they bear the mandatory warning labels that alert users to the severe risks of ingestion. If the batteries came in a simple plastic blister pack without secure locking mechanisms or explicit safety warnings, you should treat them as part of the recall immediately.
Finally, verify the packaging configuration. The recalled units were sold in packs containing two individual trays, with each tray holding five batteries, for a total of ten batteries per package. If your purchase matches this quantity and format, combined with the LiCB branding and embossed CR2032 markings, you have the recalled product. Take note of any batch codes or lot numbers printed on the box, as these may be required when contacting the manufacturer for your refund. Do not rely solely on the date of purchase, as the recall was announced on May 14, 2026, but the batteries may have been sold weeks or months prior.
What to do — step by step
If you own LiCB-branded lithium coin batteries matching the description above, your immediate priority is to remove them from your home and ensure they are no longer accessible to anyone, especially children. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a clear directive: stop using these batteries immediately. Do not wait for a replacement or try to use them one last time. Because the hazard involves severe internal chemical burns that can occur within just two hours of ingestion, time is critical in preventing potential tragedy. Treat this recall with the same urgency you would treat any other serious safety alert involving young children.
Your first concrete step is to carefully collect every battery from the recalled packs. These are three-volt silver batteries embossed with "CR2032" and sold in packs of two containing five batteries each. Handle them gently to avoid damaging the casing, as any compromise in integrity could increase the risk of leakage or accidental activation if they were still being used. Once collected, move them to a secure location that is completely out of reach of children and pets. This might mean placing them in a locked cabinet, a high shelf with a child-proof latch, or simply carrying them with you as you prepare for disposal. Do not leave them in common areas like kitchen counters, desks, or toy boxes where they could be grabbed by curious hands.
Next, you must contact the manufacturer, Guangzhou Lichengbei Battery Technology Co., Ltd., doing business as LiCB, to initiate your refund process. The remedy for this recall is a full refund, but you cannot simply throw them in the trash without following specific protocols. When you reach out to LiCB, clearly state that you are participating in the CPSC recall due to the lack of child-resistant packaging and missing warning labels required under Reese’s Law. Follow their instructions precisely for returning or disposing of the items. While the recall notice emphasizes contacting them for the refund, it also notes that consumers will be asked to dispose of the batteries according to local hazardous waste guidelines.
Finally, ensure you dispose of these batteries responsibly. Button cell and coin batteries contain lithium and other materials that are classified as hazardous waste. They should never be placed in household recycling bins or regular trash cans, as this can pose fire risks to sanitation workers and environmental hazards. Instead, take them to a designated local hazardous waste collection facility or an electronics recycling center that accepts battery disposal. By following these steps—stopping use, securing the items, contacting LiCB for your refund, and disposing of them safely—you protect your family from serious injury while ensuring you receive the compensation you are owed.
Your refund, repair, or replacement options
If you have one of the recalled LiCB-branded lithium coin batteries, your primary and most important option is to seek a full refund from the manufacturer. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has identified that these specific three-volt silver batteries violate federal statutes regarding child-resistant packaging and warning labels required under Reese’s Law. Because the defect relates to fundamental safety compliance rather than a simple manufacturing glitch, there is no repair option available for these items. You cannot simply replace the packaging or add stickers; the product itself must be removed from your home entirely. The remedy established by this recall is strictly financial restitution combined with safe disposal of the hazardous material.
To initiate your refund, you must contact LiCB directly. LiCB is the dba (doing business as) for Guangzhou Lichengbei Battery Technology Co., Ltd., a company based in China. When you reach out to them, inform them that you are participating in this specific safety recall dated May 14, 2026. The company has committed to providing a full refund for the recalled items. It is important to follow their instructions precisely during this process. They will guide you through the necessary steps to verify your purchase and process the reimbursement. Do not attempt to return the batteries via standard mail services unless explicitly instructed by LiCB, as shipping lithium batteries can be dangerous if not handled according to specific hazardous materials regulations.
Once you have secured your refund or are in the process of doing so, you must address the physical batteries safely. The recall notice emphasizes that button cell and coin batteries are hazardous materials. You are required to dispose of them according to local hazardous waste guidelines. This is not a step to skip or delay. Because these batteries contain lithium and other chemicals that can cause severe internal burns if they leak or are ingested, they should never be thrown into your regular household trash bin. Regular landfills are not equipped to handle the chemical risks posed by discarded coin cells.
Locate your nearest hazardous waste disposal facility or check with your local municipal waste management authority for drop-off locations that accept batteries. Many hardware stores and electronics retailers also have designated recycling bins for battery disposal, but given the specific nature of this recall involving a potential ingestion hazard, following the strict hazardous waste guidelines mentioned by LiCB is the safest route. By taking these steps—contacting LiCB for your refund and disposing of the unit correctly—you protect your household from immediate danger and ensure that these non-compliant products do not re-enter the supply chain. Remember, the goal here is not just getting your money back, but permanently removing a life-threatening hazard from your environment.
What can happen if you ignore it
When a recall notice arrives in your inbox or on the mail, it is natural to feel overwhelmed. You might look at the stack of batteries sitting on your desk and think, “They work fine. Why fix what isn’t broken?” It is easy to dismiss the urgency, especially when the product seems to function perfectly in your remote, watch, or motherboard. However, ignoring this recall is not a matter of minor inconvenience; it is a matter of immediate physical safety. The core issue here is not that the batteries are defective in their operation, but that they lack the critical protective barriers designed to keep them away from curious hands. By continuing to use these LiCB-branded CR2032 lithium coin batteries without addressing the recall, you are leaving a lethal hazard unguarded in your home.
The danger stems from a specific and rapid chemical reaction that occurs when a battery is swallowed. Coin batteries are small enough to be easily misplaced by toddlers who explore the world by putting objects in their mouths. When a child swallows one of these recalled batteries, it can become lodged in the esophagus. At that point, the body’s natural moisture creates an electrical circuit between the two sides of the battery. This process, known as liquefactive necrosis, generates hydroxide ions that cause severe chemical burns to the surrounding tissue. What might seem like a minor incident at first can lead to catastrophic internal injuries within just two hours. These injuries can include perforations in the esophagus, damage to major blood vessels such as the aorta, and other life-threatening complications. The consequence is not merely discomfort; it is often permanent disability or death.
You might wonder if the risk is theoretical because no specific injury incidents have been reported in this particular recall notice. While the CPSC facts provided do not list confirmed injuries or fatalities for this specific batch, the absence of reported cases does not mean the risk is absent. It simply means that a tragedy has not yet occurred. The hazard is inherent to the product’s failure to meet federal child-resistant packaging standards under Reese’s Law. Without those specialized containers and mandatory warning labels, the batteries are indistinguishable from candy or small toys to a young child. Continuing to store them in original retail packs or loose in drawers provides no protection against accidental ingestion.
If you ignore this recall, you are essentially gambling with the safety of any children who might access your home or belongings. You are relying on luck rather than engineering safeguards. The remedy offered by LiCB is straightforward: a full refund and guidance on safe disposal. Choosing to keep these batteries means choosing to accept a known, severe risk for no practical gain. Since you can replace them with compliant, child-resistant alternatives at any major retailer, there is no justification for retaining a product that violates federal safety statutes and poses a direct threat of serious injury or death.
Staying safe: broader tips
While this specific recall addresses a critical gap in packaging safety for LiCB lithium coin batteries, the underlying hazard—ingestion by children—is a widespread concern that extends far beyond a single brand or retailer. Button cell and coin batteries are incredibly common, powering everything from remote controls and car key fobs to hearing aids, calculators, and holiday decorations. Because they are small, shiny, and often resemble candy, they pose a unique and severe risk to young children who explore the world by putting objects in their mouths. Understanding how to proactively manage these items in your home is one of the most effective ways to prevent tragedy before it happens.
The first line of defense is rigorous storage and handling habits. Never leave coin batteries loose in drawers, pockets, or on tables where they might be easily accessible to toddlers. Whenever you replace a battery in a device, immediately secure the old, used battery in a sealed container away from children until it can be properly disposed of. It is also wise to keep devices that use these batteries locked away or mounted out of reach. For example, if you have a TV remote with an exposed battery compartment, consider using a secure latch or keeping the remote in a high cabinet when not in active use. The goal is to create physical barriers between curious hands and potential hazards.
Education plays a vital role in prevention, but it must be age-appropriate. While you may feel that older children understand the danger, research shows that even well-intentioned kids can mistake these batteries for sweets or toys. Start talking about battery safety early. Explain to your children that batteries are not food and that putting them in their mouths, ears, or noses can cause serious harm. Use clear, simple language and reinforce this message regularly. Additionally, teach them what to do if they find a loose battery: drop it down a hole or far away from people, and tell an adult immediately.
Regularly inspecting the devices in your home is another crucial step. Check battery compartments for signs of tampering, corrosion, or loose screws. If a compartment does not close securely, stop using the device immediately. Furthermore, stay informed about product safety by signing up for alerts from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and other trusted sources. Recalls happen frequently, and being aware of them allows you to act quickly. Finally, always follow local hazardous waste guidelines when disposing of batteries. Improper disposal not only risks environmental contamination but can also lead to accidental exposure if discarded items are found by children or animals. By combining secure storage, open communication, and routine checks, you create a safer environment for everyone in your household.