About 21 million Miniverse “Make It Mini” toy sets were recalled Tuesday in the U.S., and another million in Canada, due to reports of irritation and sensitization of the skin, eyes and respiratory tract.
Health Canada issued the recall citing a “chemical hazard” to do with unused liquid resin found in some kits. Although resin is safe in solid form, when the material is in liquid form it can cause injury and irritation to children and adults.
The Canadian Health Authority said it had received one report of a skin allergy linked to the toy. South of the border, U.S. officials were notified of 26 injuries, seven of which reported skin irritation. One American reported that exposure to the Make It Mini toy caused their asthma.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said the resins contained acrylates in greater amounts than what is allowed in children’s toys under the Federal Hazardous Substances Act.
The recalled Miniverse sets include ‘Make It Mini Appliances’, all models and ranges of ‘Make It Mini Food’ and ‘Make It Mini Lifestyle’.
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Consumers have been advised to immediately stop using their Miniverse Make It Mini products.
MGA Entertainment’s toys have a cult following online, with hundreds of videos on TikTok showing the unboxing of the lifelike miniature items. The sets are buildable, collectible figurines that range from small, functioning (albeit inedible) boba milk tea drink dispensers to bagels and lox the size of a fingernail.
The liquid resin, which later hardens, is found in some products and is often used to simulate food products, such as cream cheese or peanut butter.
Miniverse products that are pre-assembled were not included in the recall.
The Miniverse sets were sold at Walmart, Toys R Us, Indigo, Showcase and Amazon, among others. They can range in price from about $10 to $20.
Buyers should contact MGA Entertainment for instructions on how to return the recalled products for replacement or refund. The company can be reached at 1-800-222-4685 or at its website, mgae.com.
MGA Entertainment also owns the popular LOL Surprise brand.
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