John Lewis has issued a recall for 15 doorstop and draught excluder products sold between January 31, 2021 and June 11, 2026, due to potential asbestos contamination in the marble chips sealed within the items. The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) published the notice, warning that the products pose a health risk as the marble chips may be contaminated with a small quantity of asbestos.
Health risks and regulatory breach
Asbestos is a banned substance because it poses a health risk even at low levels of exposure. The products do not meet the requirements of the General Product Safety Regulations 2005. According to the OPSS notice, 'The products present a risk to health as the marble chips sealed within the doorstops and excluders may be contaminated with a small quantity of asbestos.' The notice recommends owners stop using the products immediately and keep them out of reach of children.
Asbestos can cause serious health problems, including lung damage and cancer. The material releases tiny fibres into the air, which, when inhaled, cause chronic inflammation of lung tissue. The number of products removed from UK shelves due to asbestos in the last six months has reached 166.
Full list of affected products
The recalled items include novelty doorstops such as a snowman, gingerbread man, and llama. The full list of affected products and their product codes is as follows:
- Draught Excluder Navy, product code 57090502
- Draught Excluder Grey, product code 57090506
- Draught Excluder Stripe, product code 57090509
- Duck Doorstop, product code 57090429
- Elephant Doorstop, product code 57090428
- Frog Doorstop, product code 57090427
- Patterned Navy Doorstop, product code 57090409
- Pig Doorstop, product code 57090421
- Sausage Dog Doorstop, product code 57090420
- Fusion Doorstop, product code 57090426
- Snowman Doorstop, product code 57090425
- Gingerbread Doorstop, product code 57090424
- Grey Stripe Doorstop, product code 57090423
- Felt Doorstop, product code 57090420
- Llama Doorstop, product codes 57090421, 57090415
Disposal guidance and refunds
Customers who have purchased the affected doorstops must follow correct disposal guidance. For undamaged products, users should place them in a heavy-duty plastic bag, double-taped, clearly labelled, and keep them away from children. Where items are damaged, users should use damp cloths to clean areas where the filling is visible, to prevent dust from forming. Throughout this process, masks and gloves should be worn before being discarded along with the item and any cloths used.
Customers can take the items to their nearest John Lewis branch for a full refund without needing a receipt. Those unable to reach a store should contact their local council for advice on safe asbestos disposal. For additional information, visit John Lewis's website or telephone 03456 049 049.
John Lewis stated: 'We're very sorry that it has been necessary to recall this product, and for the inconvenience caused.'
