Product safety alertOPSS
Magnetic Reusable Water Balloons (PSA6) safety alert over an injury risk
OPSS has issued a Product Safety Alert for magnetic reusable water balloons, which present a risk of severe injury or death if two or more magnets are ingested (swallowed). Consumers, local authority trading standards and businesses are asked to take specific action to cease use or remove affected products from the market.
Product image from the OPSS safety notice
What to do now
Magnetic Reusable Water Balloons (PSA6) could cause injury, for example from sharp edges, parts breaking, or the product failing in use.
- Put it out of use now.
- Check whether the notice offers a repair or replacement part before you discard it.
- Because the product was found unsafe on an online marketplace, use the platform’s order page to contact the seller.
- Report it to Trading Standards through the Citizens Advice consumer service if the seller does not respond.
Why it matters. Products that break, pinch, cut or fail suddenly can cause injuries ranging from cuts to fractures.
Getting your money back
A product safety report usually means the product was bought online and the marketplace has removed the listing. Ask the seller for a refund through the platform where you bought it; many marketplaces have their own buyer protection.
If you paid by credit card and it cost over £100, Section 75 may apply; otherwise your bank may be able to raise a chargeback.
From the official notice
Published by the Office for Product Safety and Standards (opss-2au020). Quoted as issued.
Summary
OPSS has issued a Product Safety Alert for magnetic reusable water balloons, which present a risk of severe injury or death if two or more magnets are ingested (swallowed). Consumers, local authority trading standards and businesses are asked to take specific action to cease use or remove affected products from the market.
Open the OPSS notice
Questions
Why has Magnetic Reusable Water Balloons (PSA6) been recalled?
Magnetic Reusable Water Balloons (PSA6) could cause injury, for example from sharp edges, parts breaking, or the product failing in use. Products that break, pinch, cut or fail suddenly can cause injuries ranging from cuts to fractures.
How do I know if my product is affected?
The notice describes the affected product rather than listing codes. Compare the product name, pack size and where you bought it with the official notice.
What should I do now?
Put it out of use now. Check whether the notice offers a repair or replacement part before you discard it.
Can I get a refund or a repair?
A product safety report usually means the product was bought online and the marketplace has removed the listing. Ask the seller for a refund through the platform where you bought it; many marketplaces have their own buyer protection. If you paid by credit card and it cost over £100, Section 75 may apply; otherwise your bank may be able to raise a chargeback.
