Surgeons Remove 100 Magnets from New Zealand Teen’s Intestine

A 13-year-old boy in New Zealand required surgery to remove part of his intestine after swallowing approximately 100 high-powered magnets he purchased from an online marketplace. The incident, which occurred in March 2024, raises serious concerns about the accessibility of dangerous items on the internet, particularly for children.

Doctors at Tauranga Hospital reported that the boy experienced four days of general abdominal pain before being admitted. According to a case study published in the New Zealand Medical Journal, the boy revealed he had ingested about 80 to 100 neodymium magnets, measuring 5×2 mm, ordered from Temu, despite a New Zealand law prohibiting the sale of such items for personal use since 2014.

Neodymium magnets are made from a rare-earth metal and are known for their strength. When swallowed, they can cause severe harm, including puncturing the intestine or leading to life-threatening conditions. Pediatric gastroenterologist Sunpreet Kaur explained, “When swallowed, these magnets can attach to each other through the bowel, leading to fistulas or creating holes in the intestines.”

The severity of this case highlights a broader issue surrounding the marketing of these magnets as toys. They are often sold in colorful sets designed for children, making them particularly attractive to young users. Professor Alex Sims from the University of Auckland noted, “Unfortunately, they often come as brightly colored small balls, making them attractive for children to swallow.” He emphasized that these magnets are so dangerous that they have been banned for sale in similar contexts in both Australia and New Zealand.

Despite the ban, enforcement is complicated by the ease of access to overseas online marketplaces, which do not always verify the age of purchasers. Dr. Sims remarked, “The issue of enforcement compounds when products are purchased on overseas online marketplaces, which are easily accessible by children.” He urged parents to supervise their children’s online purchases closely, stating, “All purchases must be done or at least overseen by parents.”

In response to the incident, Temu announced that it has initiated an internal review. The company expressed its concern regarding the situation, stating, “We are sorry to learn about the reported incident and wish the boy a full and speedy recovery.” Temu emphasized its commitment to product safety and its ongoing monitoring of sellers to ensure compliance with safety regulations.

This alarming case serves as a critical reminder of the potential dangers associated with online shopping for children. As the digital marketplace continues to expand, greater vigilance is essential to protect young consumers from hazardous products.