Washington, DC - Approximately 870,000 of the Fun 'N Games magnetic dart boards sold at Family Dollar stores were recalled by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission because it has been known for over a year that the magnets at the end of the darts detach. These detaching magnets pose a choking hazard and even more severe consequences for small children who may come in contact with them.

It was December 2006 when the CPSC received a consumer complaint stating that the magnets could detach from the dart and be swallowed or aspirated by children. In May 2007, there was a report printed in the Chicago Tribune that revealed how the very small, but strong magnets in various toy games could be swallowed by small children. If more than one of these magnets are swallowed, they can connect within the child and do severe damage to the intestines.

Such life-threatening tragedies have happened to dozens of children, including a toddler in Seattle by the name of Kenny Sweet, who swallowed aspirin-sized magnets similar to those at the end of the darts on the Fun ‘N Games Magnetic Dartboards.

The Chinese-made dart boards, distributed by Henry Gordy International, Inc., are blue, black, and green, with a bulls eye that is red and a white checkered design. The boards are approximately 5 ½ inches in width and the magnetic darts that are sold with them are 2 ¾ inches in length. The purpose of the magnets is to connect the dart to the board when the dart is thrown. This is used as an alternative to the traditional dart with a sharp point. Fun ‘N Games Magnetic Dartboards sold for approximately $1 between September 2002 and March 2008 at Family Dollar stores throughout the United States. As of yet there have been no incidents reported involving the Fun ‘N Games Magnetic Dartboards.

The CPSC has suggested parents to take the boards from their children as soon as possible and return them via first class mail to Henry Gordy Int., Inc., 809 Market Street, Hermann, MO. 65041 for a full refund that includes the shipping cost. Consumers are also encouraged to call 888-790-2700 with any questions.