Product recallOPSS
Hematite Magnetic Gemstones recalled over a choking risk
Product Recall for Hematite Magnetic Gemstones presenting a serious risk of choking and internal injuries.
Take it away from young children now.
Product image from the OPSS safety notice
Check your product
Only products that match these details are covered. Have your pack in front of you.
3 identifiers listed for this notice.
Hematite Magnetic Gemstones
- ModelOn the rating label, base, back or box.
- Power Magnet Gemstones Pack (fill a pouch); Hematite Magnetic Gemstones (top-up); Iridescent Hematite Magnetic Gemstones (top-up); and Iridescent Power Magnet Gemstones Pack (fill a pouch)
- FGS532
- FGS550
What to do now
Small parts of Hematite Magnetic Gemstones could come loose and choke a young child.
- Take it away from young children now.
- Look for loose pieces where it was used.
- Use the contact details in the official notice to arrange a refund, repair or replacement.
- Incidents and injuries can be reported to Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice consumer helpline.
Why it matters. Children under three put things in their mouths. Anything small enough to fit through a toilet-roll tube is a choking hazard for them.
If someone has been hurt
Look out for
- coughing, gagging or noisy breathing after playing with it
Get help urgently
- a child who cannot breathe, cough or cry — call 999 and follow the call handler’s instructions
This is general information based on NHS public guidance, not medical advice. In an emergency call 999. For urgent advice use NHS 111 (NHS 24 on 111 in Scotland) or, in Northern Ireland, your GP or out-of-hours service.
Refunds, repairs and replacements
In a recall, the business responsible arranges the remedy, which may be a refund, a repair, a replacement or a free part. The notice says which one applies.
Your rights under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 also apply: goods must be safe, of satisfactory quality and as described. Within 30 days of purchase you can usually reject faulty goods for a full refund.
From the official notice
Published by the Office for Product Safety and Standards (2401-0146). Quoted as issued.
Summary
Product Recall for Hematite Magnetic Gemstones presenting a serious risk of choking and internal injuries.
The risk
The product has been identified as presenting a serious risk of choking and internal injuries due to the presence of small parts as received. A young child may place a small part in their mouth and choke.
The magnet was also found to have a magnetic flux index of 240 KG²mm², greater than the maximum permissible level of 50 KG²mm². Small, high-powered magnetic products can be easily swallowed and, when ingested, have the potential to cause serious internal injuries within the gastrointestinal tract.
The product also requires improvements to marking and labelling.
The product does not meet the requirements of the General Product Safety Regulations 2005.
Action taken
The product has been recalled from end users by British Fossils.
Advice to consumers
The product has been withdrawn from the market and recalled from end users by British Fossils.
Owners should keep the gemstones away from children and pets. Dispose of them responsibly or contact the retailer it was purchased from with proof of purchase in order to receive a refund.
Additional information
PSD number: 2401-0146
Notified by: Local Authority Trading Standards
Product description
Small, high powered hematite gemstones sold in fill a pouch and top up form. Although intended solely for use by ages 14 years plus, the magnets have a strength that exceeds permitted safety levels for toys.
Open the OPSS notice
Questions
Why has Hematite Magnetic Gemstones been recalled?
Small parts of Hematite Magnetic Gemstones could come loose and choke a young child. Children under three put things in their mouths. Anything small enough to fit through a toilet-roll tube is a choking hazard for them.
How do I know if my product is affected?
Compare the model on your product with the details listed under “Check your product” on this page. Only items that match are covered by the notice.
What should I do now?
Take it away from young children now. Look for loose pieces where it was used.
Can I get a refund or a repair?
In a recall, the business responsible arranges the remedy, which may be a refund, a repair, a replacement or a free part. The notice says which one applies. Your rights under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 also apply: goods must be safe, of satisfactory quality and as described. Within 30 days of purchase you can usually reject faulty goods for a full refund.
