Water beads activity kit sold at Target recalled after death of 10-month old

Water beads activity kit sold at Target recalled after death of 10-month old

A water bead craft kit sold exclusively at Target is being recalled after being linked to the death of a 10-month-old child.

The recall, announced by the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission and New York-based Buffalo Games, LLC, covers about 52,000 Chuckle & Roar Ultimate Water Beads Activity Kits due to a risk they could cause choking or obstructions if swallowed. Officials said the beads, which grow in size when ingested, pose a risk of “serious injury or death.”

According to the USCPSC, Buffalo Games received a report in July of the death of a 10-month-old Wisconsin child after they swallowed the beads. Another report indicated a 9-month-old child in Maine was seriously injured and required surgery in November 2022 after they developed an intestinal obstruction after ingesting beads.

The front of the recalled package is labeled “Ultimate Water Beads Activity Kit” and it includes 2 ounces of “jumbo” water beads and 6 ounces of “regular” water beads. Along with a clear container and lid, there are five small toy fish, a scissor scoop, tweezers, a scoop with a handle, 10 activity cards and instructions. The activity kit, sold at Target stores and online from March 2022 to November 2022 for about $15, was sold in a purple box with UPC Number 079346627035 on the back.

Consumers are urged to stop using the recalled Chuckle & Roar Ultimate Water Beads Activity Kits and take them away from children. You can contact Buffalo Games for a full refund and instructions on how to return the product in a prepaid mailing package supplied by the firm or return the product to any Target store.

Buffalo Games has recalled 52,000 Chuckle & Roar Ultimate Water Beads Activity Kits sold only at Target after an infant who swallowed the beads died and another required surgery, according to an announcement by the company and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission on Sept. 14, 2023. (Photo provided by the CPSC)