The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has issued an urgent warning about JACISK Water Beads sold through Amazon, citing severe choking and health hazards for young children.
The consumer safety regulator identified that the decorative beads pose a significant danger as they dramatically increase in size when exposed to water.
JACISK Water Beads sold via Amazon
Type: Toys – Bath/Pool Water Toys
Brand: JACISK
Model: XSZ01
Barcode: X001KWB6WB
Amazon Identifier: FBA15K4RC4ZWU000006
Country of Origin: China
Product Description: Set of water beads supplied in a transparent plastic bottle which grows when submerged in water. 50000 beads / 9oz
According to the OPSS report, "the water beads expand to more than 50 per cent of their original size within 12 hours of soaking them in water".
The safety concerns centre on the risk these small beads present when ingested by children.
Officials warned that if a young child swallows the small, dehydrated beads, they may expand inside the digestive tract, causing a "blockage".
It's crucial to note that the hazard extends beyond internal expansion. The regulator noted that "if a bead is swallowed in its hydrated form, it may block a young child's airway", creating an immediate "asphyxiation risk".
The children's product presents a serious health and choking risk
OPSS
These dual threats make the product particularly dangerous, as children could encounter the beads in either their dry or water-expanded state, with both forms presenting distinct but "serious" health risks.
The OPSS confirmed that "the import has been rejected at the border" following the safety assessment.
The product failed to comply with the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011, which govern the safety standards for children's products sold in the UK.
Parents and carers were directed to the OPSS' broader safety guidance on water beads.
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The toy, sold via Amazon, has been rejected at the border
GETTY IMAGESThe OPSS stated it has published a Product Safety Alert for water beads. This can be accessed via GOV.UK.
This incident forms part of wider regulatory action against potentially hazardous water bead products that continue to pose risks to young children across the UK market.
Product and food recalls must always be taken seriously to ensure the safety of British shoppers.
Just last week, a major British manufacturer pulled classic ice cream from shelves after failing to display an allergy warning in English.
The frozen treats contain milk and may also contain nuts, specifically pistachios, as well as peanuts and soya.
The labelling error poses a potential health risk to consumers with allergies or intolerances to these ingredients.
In light of this, a full recall of the affected products was initiated, as the company works with retailers to remove them from shelves.
Earlier this month, a warning was issued to air fryer users after it was discovered that a popular UK model poses a fire hazard.
The supplier identified a risk of overheating in the affected units, which could potentially lead to fires.
Customers who have purchased this specific air fryer model were told to "stop using it immediately".
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