Amazon shoppers have been warned after two potentially dangerous products were rejected at the UK border following recent safety warning.
A magnetic dart toy and the Hortitera Ultrasonic Insect Killer, sold on Amazon, were found to pose serious risks to consumers.
The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) warned the magnetic dart toy presents a dual threat of choking and internal injuries.
Its metal tips can easily detach, creating a choking hazard for children. Moreover, the toy’s magnets exceed the maximum permissible magnetic flux level, which could lead to “severe internal injuries if ingested”, according to the OPSS.
The magnetic darts could cause severe internal injuries
OPSS
The government body shared the following description of the product:
- Type: Toys – Magnetic Dart Board
- Brand – Temi
- Barcode – X001Z3MJWV
- Country of Origin – China
- Product Description – A magnetic dart board with metal throwing darts
The magnetic dart toy poses a significant risk to children as its metal tips can easily detach, fitting entirely inside a small parts cylinder.
This creates a severe choking hazard if a child puts the tips in their mouth.
Even more concerning is the toy’s magnetic flux. One magnet was found to have a flux of 861 KG²mm², far exceeding the maximum permissible level of 50kG²mm².
If a child swallows multiple magnets, they can attract each other across intestinal walls. This can lead to perforation or blockage, potentially causing fatal injuries.
Meanwhile, the Hortitera Ultrasonic Insect Killer has been identified as a fire hazard.
Its design flaw involving the plug’s plastic collar can damage socket contacts over time, potentially causing overheating and ignition.
“This can cause the plug / socket to overheat and ignite, causing a fire,” warned the OPSS.
The insect killer fails to comply with the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016 and the Plugs & Sockets (Safety) Regulations 1994.
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The Insect killer has a design flaw involving the plug’s plastic collar
OPSS
These regulations are in place to ensure the safety of electrical products sold in the UK.
The OPSS has shared the following product description
- Type – Electrical appliances and equipment – Ultrasonic Insect Repellent
- Brand – Hortitera
- Barcode – XOO22ZYBLN
- Amazon Identifier – FBA15J9NS197U000003
- Country of Origin – China
- Product Description – An ultrasonic insect repellent that plugs directly into a socket
Consumers who may have purchased this product should stop using it immediately and contact the seller for further guidance.