SEPTEMBER 30, 2015
Q: Why were Buckyballs and Buckycubes recalled?
A: From 2009 to the present, the CPSC has received numerous incident reports of ingestions of Buckyballs and Buckycubes. When two or more high-powered magnets are swallowed, they can attract to one another through the stomach and intestinal walls, resulting in serious injuries, such as holes in the stomach and intestines, intestinal blockage, blood poisoning and death. The recall, which was announced on July 17, 2014 (https://www.cpsc.gov/en/Newsroom/News-Releases/2014/Buckyballs-and-Buckycubes-Refunds-Now-Available/) was intended to protect children and teenagers from the risk of injury that can occur when multiple high-powered magnets are ingested.
Q: What remedy was offered to consumers as part of the recall?
A: Consumers who provided proof of purchase and returned Buckyballs or Buckycubes by January 15, 2015, were provided a refund based on the number of magnets returned.
Q: Did CPSC administer the recall and issue refunds?
A: No, the recall was administered by the Buckyballs Recall Trust, which was established specifically to notify consumers of the recall and issue refund checks.
Q: Can I still participate in the Buckyballs and Buckycubes recall and obtain a refund?
A: No, the period for submitting claims for refunds ended on January 17, 2015, and no additional refunds will be issued.
Q: I missed the time period for submitting a claim for a refund. What should I do with Buckyballs or Buckycubes that I currently have?
A: CPSC urges you to stop using Buckyballs and Buckycubes immediately. Any Buckyballs or Buckycubes that were not returned during the recall should be safely disposed of to prevent any risk of injury to children.
Q: If I still have Buckyballs or Buckycubes, can I sell them?
A: No, it is unlawful for any person to sell, offer for sale, or distribute in commerce any Buckyballs or Buckycubes. Individuals who do so may be subject to civil penalties. See https://www.cpsc.gov/en/Business--Manufacturing/Business-Education/ResaleThrift-Stores-Information-Center/.
Q: If I was issued a refund check but have not cashed it yet, can I do so?
A: No, the time period to cash refund checks has now passed. Uncashed checks that were previously issued during the recall are now void.
Q: Can CPSC answer any additional questions I have about my request for a refund?
A: No, CPSC cannot answer your questions because the agency did not administer the recall and does not have information about the status of any request for a refund. The Buckyballs Recall Trust administered the recall and processed refund requests. The Trust, which accepted claims for refunds through January 17, 2015, was dissolved on July 10, 2015.