13-Year-Old Undergoes Surgery After Swallowing 100 Temu Magnets

A 13-year-old boy from New Zealand required major surgery after swallowing between 80 and 100 small, high-powered magnets purchased on the online platform Temu. Surgeons at Tauranga Hospital reported that the incident necessitated the removal of part of the boy’s bowel, highlighting the serious risks associated with easily accessible banned products sold online.

According to a case report cited by RNZ, the boy’s situation exemplifies the dangers posed by the availability of high-powered magnets, which have been illegal for personal use in New Zealand since July 24, 2014. The country’s government issued an indefinite prohibition on the sale of small, high-powered magnet sets due to their potential to cause severe injuries when ingested.

Doctors explained that when multiple neodymium magnets are swallowed, they can attract each other through the intestinal walls. This can cut off blood flow and lead to tissue death, a complication that ultimately led to the bowel removal in this case. Medical professionals described the incident as “alarming,” pointing out the challenges in enforcing New Zealand’s ban amid the rise of online marketplaces.

Temu, the platform where the magnets were reportedly purchased, expressed concern over the incident. A spokesperson stated, “We are sorry to learn about the reported incident and wish the boy a full and speedy recovery.” The company announced it has launched an internal review and has yet to confirm the specific listing involved in the case.

The government’s Product Safety office noted that the prohibition encompasses any set of two or more small, high-powered magnets supplied for personal use, which includes items such as toys, puzzles, modeling kits, and certain types of jewelry. This regulation remains in effect indefinitely.

In response to the incident, Temu indicated it would review relevant listings to ensure compliance with local regulations and take “firm action” against sellers found violating platform rules. This case has garnered attention not only in New Zealand but also highlighted a broader issue of high-powered magnet injuries worldwide.

In the United States, regulators took steps in 2022 to establish a mandatory safety standard aimed at limiting the strength of loose consumer magnets. This regulatory action followed a reversal of a previous ban on the magnets in court, illustrating the ongoing concerns surrounding their safety.

The boy’s experience serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with seemingly harmless products available online. As parents and guardians navigate the complexities of consumer choices in the digital age, the need for vigilance becomes increasingly important to protect children from such risks.