Amazon.com, AliExpress.com and Wish.com ordered to remove products from websites or add disclaimers within 24 hours

For Immediate Release

SAINT PAUL (11/26/2019) – Today, in anticipation of the holiday shopping season, Minnesota Department of Commerce Commissioner Steve Kelley issued a ban on off-brand spinning battle toys that have been found to contain toxic levels of lead and cadmium as the result of a joint investigation by three state agencies. 

Earlier this year, a Minnesota child with an elevated blood lead level prompted the Chemicals in Products Interagency Team (CPIT)—consisting of employees from the Minnesota Department of Health, the Minnesota Department of Commerce and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency—to investigate Beyblades-style spinning battle toys. 

CPIT tested 50 spinning battle toys (including both name-brand Beyblade products and off-brand toys) for lead and cadmium. Fifteen of those toys showed toxic levels of lead and cadmium. Those 15 toys were all off-brand products purchased from Amazon.com, AliExpress.com and Wish.com and were significantly cheaper than the name-brand products. Notably, name-brand toys from Hasbro and TAKARATOMY did not show elevated levels of lead or cadmium.

Commerce’s separate orders to Amazon.com, AliExpress.com and Wish.com require that, within 24 hours, the companies: 

• Stop selling the toxic products and remove them from their websites, or, 
• Provide clear disclaimers on their websites that read “This product is prohibited for sale or purchase by consumers in the State of Minnesota due to toxic levels of lead and cadmium” and 
• Update company information technology systems to stop the shipment of these products to Minnesota.
• Additionally, companies are requested to initiate the process for repurchasing the banned products from Minnesota consumers.

“We are working with the online retailers to get these toys off their virtual shelves, but Minnesota consumers should also stay informed to make smart choices for their families,” said Commissioner Kelley. “When shopping for toys this holiday season and beyond, be cautious of toys that are significantly cheaper than name-brand products, include mistakes in the packaging or do not match the product’s advertisements.”

Children, as well as families that may be attracted to off-brand prices, are some of Minnesota’s most vulnerable populations. And ingesting lead or cadmium can cause serious health problems, like delayed brain development, kidney and bone damage, cancer and even death. Babies, children under six years and pregnant women are at the highest risk of harm.

The Minnesota Department of Health, the Minnesota Department of Commerce and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency have a fact sheet on the investigation, with photos and information about the products. It also includes consumer tips:

Don’t rely on appearances. There is no way to know if a product contains high levels of cadmium, lead or other toxic metals just by looking at it.

Look for name-brand products. Buy spinning battle toys, commonly referred to as Beyblades, from name-brand companies such as Hasbro or TAKARATOMY. Be cautious of products that are significantly cheaper than name-brand products. 

Check the packaging. Avoid buying toys with no information about where it was made. Be cautious of spelling or grammar errors in online listings and packaging. 

Be cautious when shopping online. If you order spinning battle toys online, check when they arrive to make sure they match the products advertised online.

Do not allow your child to put metal toys in their mouth. Toxic exposure can come from biting, chewing, sucking or swallowing a toy. If your child often puts items in their mouth, keep toys with metal parts well out of reach. If your child swallows any part of a toy, seek urgent medical attention.

###

With You Every Day
Wherever you are in Minnesota, the Department of Commerce is with you every day. Whether you’re filling up on gas, purchasing a home, working to reduce energy consumption or rebuilding after a disaster—we are with you, no matter what.

The Minnesota Commerce Department oversees more than 20 regulated industries, ensuring that Minnesota businesses are strong and Minnesota consumers are protected. Our mission is to protect the public interest, advocate for Minnesota consumers, ensure a strong, competitive and fair marketplace, strengthen the state’s economic future and serve as a trusted public resource for consumers and businesses.

Media Contact
Emmalynn Bauer
Director of Communications
Minnesota Department of Commerce
office: 651-539-1463 | cell: 651-358-5155
emma.bauer@state.mn.us