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New Zealand Boy's Surgery Sparks Magnet Safety Concerns

10/27/2025

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Summary

Story summary

A 13-year-old boy in New Zealand underwent surgery to remove up to 100 high-power magnets from his intestines after four days of severe abdominal pain and eight days in hospital.
The magnets were purchased on Temu, which said it is conducting an internal review.
New Zealand has banned these magnets since 2013 due to their danger to children.
Surgeons removed dead tissue from the bowel caused by the magnets clumping.

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Story summary

A 13-year-old boy in New Zealand underwent surgery to remove up to 100 high-power magnets from his intestines after four days of severe abdominal pain and eight days in hospital.
The magnets were purchased on Temu, which said it is conducting an internal review.
New Zealand has banned these magnets since 2013 due to their danger to children.
Surgeons removed dead tissue from the bowel caused by the magnets clumping.