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A 13-year-old boy in New Zealand underwent major surgery after swallowing roughly 80–100 tiny neodymium magnets bought online, doctors at Tauranga Hospital reported in the New Zealand Medical Journal. The magnets linked into four chains, damaging his intestines; surgeons removed the magnets and sections of bowel, and he was discharged after eight days. Despite a 2013 national ban on small high-powered magnets, the report says enforcement is undermined by overseas online marketplaces. The magnets were reportedly purchased via Temu, which said it couldn’t confirm the purchase and is reviewing listings.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.