Surveying Accessories Cheaper Recalls Board Games Due to Risk of Serious Injury or Death from Magnet Ingestion; Violates Mandatory Standard for Toys

What was recalled

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a recall affecting specific board games marketed under the brand name "Surveying Accessories Cheaper." This action, announced on February 12, 2026, targets a collection of Colombia-themed magnetic board games that were sold to consumers across the United States. The products in question are not standard card or dice-only games; they are physical board game sets that rely on magnetic components for gameplay. Specifically, the recall encompasses only the four-player and six-player versions of these games. If you own a two-player or eight-player variant from this same brand line, those specific models are not included in this particular safety notice, though it is always wise to verify the exact player count printed on your box.

To help you identify whether your game set is part of this recall, it is important to look closely at the contents and the packaging. The recalled items consist of a two-sided board that comes with a storage bag. Inside the set, you will find 32 multi-colored magnetic game pieces and two dice, which are packaged together in one storage pouch. A distinctive feature of these specific units is the thematic design: the phrase "Colombia que linda eres" is printed directly on the game's board, while the front of the outer storage box displays the text "Cositas Colombianas." These visual cues are key identifiers for this specific batch of recalled merchandise.

The original retail packaging for these games included a piece of chocolate. This inclusion suggests that the product was likely sold as part of a promotional bundle or a gift set, possibly in specialty stores, online marketplaces, or through direct sales channels that cater to cultural themes or novelty items. However, the recall notice does not specify the exact retailers or websites where these games were purchased, nor does it list the specific dates of sale beyond the fact that they occurred prior to the February 12, 2026 announcement. Because the product description does not provide a model number, SKU, or a precise count of the total units sold, consumers cannot verify their specific unit against a production run number. Instead, identification must rely on the physical characteristics described above: the brand name, the specific Spanish text on the board and box, the inclusion of 32 magnetic pieces, and the presence of the chocolate in the original packaging.

If you purchased this game as a gift, check with the recipient to see if they still have the original box and its contents. The combination of the "Surveying Accessories Cheaper" brand, the Colombia-themed text, the magnetic pieces, and the chocolate is unique to this recalled lot. It is crucial to treat these items with immediate caution, as the presence of loose high-powered magnets inside the game pieces poses a significant safety risk that warrants an immediate stop in usage.

The hazard, explained

The core danger in this recall lies not in the game itself, but in the specific type of magnets used within the colorful game pieces. These are not the standard, low-strength ceramic or ferrite magnets you might find in a refrigerator decal or a simple toy block. Instead, these are high-powered rare-earth magnets, likely made from neodymium. While incredibly useful for holding notes on a fridge or snapping together model parts, they possess a magnetic force that is disproportionately strong relative to their tiny size. When these small, powerful magnets are loose inside a board game box, they can easily become separated from any casing or adhesive intended to hold them.

The injury mechanism becomes terrifyingly simple when more than one of these magnets is swallowed at the same time, or when one magnet is swallowed along with another piece of metal. Inside the human body, particularly within the folds of the digestive tract such as the stomach or intestines, the magnetic force does not diminish. If two loose magnets are ingested, they can snap together through the walls of adjacent loops of intestine. This creates a powerful clamp that pinches the tissue between them.

This pinching action cuts off blood flow to the trapped tissue, causing it to die (necrosis). As the tissue dies, it can create holes or perforations in the intestinal wall. Once these holes form, digestive contents and bacteria can leak into the abdominal cavity, leading to severe infection, sepsis, and potentially fatal complications like peritonitis. Even if only one magnet is swallowed, it can attract other metal objects nearby, such as a spoon or another piece of jewelry, dragging them through the delicate lining of the gut and causing similar tearing and blockage.

This hazard is especially acute for children because they are naturally curious and may put small game pieces in their mouths without realizing the risk. The "Cositas Colombianas" board games being recalled contain 32 multi-colored magnetic pieces that are small enough to be a choking hazard and powerful enough to cause internal damage if ingested. Because the magnets are loose, there is no guarantee they will stay together in a way that prevents swallowing. Once inside the body, standard X-rays can detect them, but by that time, the damage may have already begun. The CPSC warns that this type of ingestion can lead to perforations, twisting of the intestines (volvulus), blockages, and blood poisoning, which can be fatal if not treated immediately with emergency surgery.

It is important to understand that this is not a matter of waiting for symptoms to appear. The magnetic force works instantly upon contact inside the body. A child may seem fine for hours or even days after swallowing these pieces, as the initial trauma might not cause immediate pain. By the time symptoms like abdominal pain, vomiting, fever, or difficulty breathing appear, serious internal damage has likely already occurred. This is why the recall emphasizes immediate removal and return of the product. The risk is entirely preventable by keeping these high-powered magnets away from children before they are properly secured or replaced.

In summary, the hazard is a combination of size and power. The pieces are small enough to be swallowed whole and powerful enough to act like invisible clamps inside the digestive system. This recall highlights a critical safety lesson: not all magnets are created equal. Small, high-powered magnets require strict supervision and secure storage to prevent life-threatening injuries.

Who is most at risk

The primary group at immediate and severe risk from this recall consists of young children, particularly those under the age of six. The nature of the hazard—loose, high-powered magnets integrated into game pieces—creates a specific danger profile that aligns with developmental stages where exploration happens through the mouth. Young children are naturally curious about their environment and often lack the cognitive ability to understand the invisible but powerful forces at work within these small components. For this demographic, the magnetic board games described in the recall are not merely toys; they are potential ingestion hazards disguised as recreational items. The risk is not just about swallowing a single piece, which can be dangerous on its own, but about the unique mechanism by which multiple magnets or a magnet and another metal object interact inside the body.

The vulnerability of young children in this scenario is compounded by their physical anatomy and behavior. Toddlers and preschoolers frequently put objects in their mouths as a way to learn about texture, shape, and weight. If a child manages to detach one of the magnetic pieces from the game set, they may easily swallow it. The danger escalates if a second magnet or a piece of metal is also ingested, either simultaneously or at different times. Inside the digestive tract, these magnets can attract each other with significant force, clamping down on the delicate tissues of the intestines. This attraction can cause the tissue to become trapped between the magnets, leading to pressure necrosis (tissue death), perforations (holes in the intestine), twisting of the bowel (volvulus), or complete blockage. These are not minor complications; they are life-threatening medical emergencies that often require immediate surgery.

While the recall notice does not specifically identify other vulnerable populations, it is important to note that anyone with small hands who might disassemble the game pieces could be at risk of accidental ingestion, though the severe physiological consequences are most critical for children. Older adults or individuals with certain cognitive impairments might also inadvertently ingest these pieces if they are used as fidget items or if supervision is lacking, but the statistical likelihood and severity of injury are highest among the pediatric population. The Colombian-themed design and colorful nature of the game pieces may make them particularly attractive to young eyes, increasing the likelihood of interaction that could lead to ingestion. Therefore, parents, guardians, and caregivers must treat these items with extreme caution. The absence of reported incidents at this time does not mean the risk is absent; it simply means no cases have been publicly documented yet. Given the silent and rapid progression of magnet ingestion injuries, the window for prevention is narrow and critical.

It is also worth considering the context of the game itself. Since these are board games designed for four- and six-player versions, they are often used in family settings or group environments where supervision may be divided among multiple participants. In such busy environments, a child might have unsupervised access to the game pieces during setup or cleanup phases. The inclusion of a storage bag and pouch might give a false sense of security, as caregivers may assume that once the game is put away, it is safe. However, if the storage is not secure or if the magnets are loose within the packaging, children can still access them. This makes the risk dynamic and dependent on how and where the game is stored when not in active play.

In summary, the most at-risk group is unequivocally young children who are prone to mouthing objects and lack the understanding of danger associated with small, powerful magnets. The combination of the magnet's power, the ease of ingestion, and the severe internal damage they can cause makes this a high-stakes safety issue. Caregivers must act immediately to remove these games from any environment where children have access, regardless of whether a child has already interacted with them. Prevention is the only effective strategy here, as the consequences of failure are catastrophic.

How to tell if you have the recalled item

If you have a board game that features a Colombian theme, it is crucial to verify whether it falls under this specific recall before using it again. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued this alert for products sold under the brand name "Surveying Accessories Cheaper." Because these items are designed to look like standard, harmless party games, they can easily be mistaken for safe toys if you do not know exactly what to look for. The primary identifier for this recall is the text printed directly on the game components and its packaging. You should immediately check the front of the storage box or pouch; it must have the phrase "Cositas Colombianas" printed clearly on it. This is a definitive marker that separates these recalled items from other similar-looking games on the market.

Once you have located the box, open it and examine the game board itself. The recalled units feature a two-sided board, but the most distinct visual cue is the phrase "Colombia que linda eres" printed directly onto the surface of the board. This specific Spanish phrasing is unique to this batch of products. Additionally, inspect the contents of the box. The recall applies specifically to sets that include 32 multi-colored magnetic game pieces along with two dice. These pieces are not standard plastic tokens; they contain loose high-powered magnets, which is the core reason for the safety warning. If your set lacks these specific magnetic pieces or does not include the dice, it may not be part of this particular recall, but you should still verify the brand name.

It is also important to note that this recall only covers specific player configurations. You must check if your game is designed for either four players or six players. These are the only versions included in this safety alert. If you have a two-player version or an eight-player edition, it is not part of this specific recall action, though general magnet safety rules should still apply. Regarding the packaging, these games were sold with original packaging that notably included a piece of chocolate. While the presence of chocolate might seem unusual for a board game, it was part of the original retail package for this Colombian-themed item. If you no longer have the box or the chocolate, rely on the printed text on the board and box ("Cositas Colombianas" and "Colombia que linda eres") and the brand name "Surveying Accessories Cheaper" to confirm if your item is affected. Do not rely solely on the date of purchase, as the recall was announced on February 12, 2026, but the products may have been in circulation prior to that date.

What to do — step by step

Your refund, repair, or replacement options

If you have one of the recalled Colombia-themed magnetic board games from Surveying Accessories Cheaper, your primary and only remedy is a full refund. Because the safety issue stems from the fundamental design of the game pieces—specifically the presence of loose, high-powered magnets that violate mandatory toy safety standards—the manufacturer cannot offer a repair kit or a replacement set to fix the hazard. The magnetic components are integral to how the game functions, and simply swapping out pieces would not resolve the ingestion risk. Therefore, the path forward is straightforward: you will be returning the entire product for a complete reimbursement of your purchase price.

To initiate this process, you need to reach out directly to Surveying Accessories Cheaper. They have set up specific channels for consumers to report their ownership and request the return instructions. You can contact them by phone at 305-336-6042, available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday. Alternatively, you may send an email to zlipgo.sales@gmail.com. When you reach out, clearly state that you own one of the recalled four- or six-player versions of this board game. The company will then provide you with a pre-paid shipping label. This is a critical detail; do not pay for shipping yourself, as the cost of returning the hazardous item is covered by the recall process.

Once you receive your pre-paid shipping label, carefully package the board game and send it back to the address specified in the instructions. It is important to keep the magnetic pieces together with the board and dice in their original storage pouch or bag if possible, to prevent them from becoming loose during transit, although the primary goal is simply to get the product out of your home. After the returned item is received and processed, you will receive a full refund. The company will issue this refund in the original form of payment you used when you bought the game. If that method is not possible, they may send a check instead. This ensures you are made whole financially without any loss due to the safety defect.

Please remember that this recall covers only the four- and six-player versions of the "Colombia que linda eres" or "Cositas Colombianas" branded games. If you have a different variant or a game from a different brand, it is not part of this specific recall action. However, given the serious nature of magnet ingestion hazards, always exercise caution with any toy containing small magnets. By following these steps and contacting the manufacturer promptly, you ensure your family’s safety and recover your money efficiently.

What can happen if you ignore it

Staying safe: broader tips

While this specific recall addresses a particular brand of magnetic board game, the underlying risk involves a class of hazards that affects many households with young children: high-powered neodymium magnets. These tiny, incredibly strong magnets have become common in everything from science kits and jewelry to desk organizers and toy building blocks. Because they are so small and often resemble candy or colorful beads, they can be easily swallowed by curious toddlers who may not understand the danger. The key to staying safe lies in understanding how these items behave differently from standard toys and taking proactive steps to secure your home environment.

First, it is crucial to recognize that not all magnetic toys are unsafe, but those containing loose, high-powered magnets require strict supervision. When buying magnetic products for children, always look for age grading labels carefully. The Consumer Product Safety Commission generally advises against magnetic toys for children under six years old unless they are fully enclosed in a way that prevents disassembly and ingestion. If you do purchase such items, treat them as adult-supervised activities rather than independent playthings. Regularly inspect these products for wear and tear; if the casing cracks or magnets become loose, remove the item from use immediately.

Beyond toys, be vigilant about other household items that may contain similar high-powered magnets. These include certain types of jewelry (like magnetic clasps on necklaces or bracelets), desk organizers, and even some electronic devices. Keep these items stored out of reach when not in use, ideally in locked cabinets or high shelves where young children cannot access them. It is also wise to educate older siblings about the dangers of keeping these small magnets near younger children, as they may inadvertently hand them over during play.

Another essential layer of protection is staying informed through official recall channels. Products can be recalled for reasons other than immediate injury risks, such as manufacturing defects that could lead to future hazards. Sign up for email alerts from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and check their website regularly. Many recalls are issued quickly once a potential danger is identified, so having direct access to this information ensures you are not relying solely on news reports or social media feeds, which may be delayed or incomplete.

Finally, consider installing safety devices appropriate for your home’s specific risks. For example, just as we anchor furniture to prevent tip-overs, we should secure any storage areas that might hold small, dangerous objects. Use child-proof locks on drawers and cabinets that store electronics, crafts, or decorative items with small magnetic components. By combining vigilant supervision, informed purchasing decisions, and proactive home safety measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of accidental ingestion or injury from hidden hazards in your home.