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Discount School Supply Recalls Sorting Boards Due to Magnet Ingestion Risk and Excessive Lead Levels (Recall Alert)

Reported: May 7, 2014 Initiated: May 7, 2014 #14734

Product Description

This recall involves Excellerations™ magnetic color sorting boards with cupcake cut-outs that are used to teach color and sorting to young children. The recalled sorting board is made of plywood and is 16 inches wide and 12 inches high and has the Excellerations™ name and logo on the front in the bottom right corner. A clear plastic cover is attached to the board by rivets and a 4-inch long wand with a magnet in one end is attached to the top of the board by a 13.5-inch plastic cord. The face of the board has one jar-shaped cut-out and six cupcake-shaped cut-outs that are colored red, yellow, blue, green, orange and purple. Beneath the cover are about 60 multi-colored metal balls, each 1 centimeter in diameter. Children use the wand to move the balls around the board through channels from the jar to the cupcakes.

Reason for Recall

The magnet in the wand can detach and the plywood backing can crack and release small metal balls that are sandwiched between the board and a clear plastic cover. These pose choking and serious internal injury risks associated with ingestion of a magnet and metal ball. The surface paint on the metal balls contains levels of lead that exceed the federal lead paint standard.

Remedy

Consumers should immediately stop children from using the recalled board, put it out of their reach and sight, and contact the company for a full refund.

Details

Units Affected
About 3,700

Frequently Asked Questions

What product was recalled?
This recall involves Excellerations™ magnetic color sorting boards with cupcake cut-outs that are used to teach color and sorting to young children. The recalled sorting board is made of plywood and is 16 inches wide and 12 inches high and has the Excellerations™ name and logo on the front in the bottom right corner. A clear plastic cover is attached to the board by rivets and a 4-inch long wand with a magnet in one end is attached to the top of the board by a 13.5-inch plastic cord. The face of the board has one jar-shaped cut-out and six cupcake-shaped cut-outs that are colored red, yellow, blue, green, orange and purple. Beneath the cover are about 60 multi-colored metal balls, each 1 centimeter in diameter. Children use the wand to move the balls around the board through channels from the jar to the cupcakes.. Units affected: About 3,700.
Why was this product recalled?
The magnet in the wand can detach and the plywood backing can crack and release small metal balls that are sandwiched between the board and a clear plastic cover. These pose choking and serious internal injury risks associated with ingestion of a magnet and metal ball. The surface paint on the metal balls contains levels of lead that exceed the federal lead paint standard.
What should consumers do?
Consumers should immediately stop children from using the recalled board, put it out of their reach and sight, and contact the company for a full refund.
Which agency issued this recall?
This recall was issued by the CPSC on May 7, 2014. Severity: Moderate. Recall number: 14734.