Urgent Recall of Children's Sand Art Kits Over Asbestos Contamination Fears
In a concerning development for parents across the country, more children's toys have been urgently recalled due to fears they contain asbestos. The Office for Product Safety & Standards (OPSS) has issued a stark warning about the Kids Create Sand Art Kits, advising that specific batches "may be contaminated with a small quantity of asbestos." This recall comes hot on the heels of a similar action by supermarket giant Asda, which recently pulled its Stretcherz 'Stretch' and 'Slammers' figures from shelves over identical concerns.
Immediate Action Required for Affected Products
Parents who have purchased the Kids Create Sand Art Kits are being instructed not to open them under any circumstances. The kits, which contain three 20g bags of coloured sand, were sold between January 2025 and February 2026. The affected products can be identified by barcode 5012128618222 and model number YKICACA4A016. The manufacturer, IGDesign Group UK Limited, has initiated the recall following the OPSS alert.
Asbestos is a banned substance in the UK due to its severe health risks, even at minimal exposure levels. The fibrous mineral, once commonly used in construction, is known to cause serious respiratory diseases and cancers when its particles are inhaled. Its presence in children's toys represents a significant safety breach that authorities are treating with utmost seriousness.
Proper Disposal Procedures Outlined
The OPSS has provided specific disposal instructions for concerned parents. The entire sand art kit should be placed inside a heavy-duty plastic bag, which must then be securely sealed with double tape and clearly labeled. For households where the sand has already been used, a meticulous cleanup process is recommended. This involves using wet cloths to clean the affected area while wearing protective gloves and a mask to prevent any potential inhalation of asbestos fibers.
Asda's Precautionary Recall of Stretcherz Toys
This latest recall follows Asda's announcement on February 17 regarding two of its children's toy lines. The retailer issued an urgent recall for Stretcherz 'Stretch' and 'Slammers' figures, sold between January 2024 and February 2026, over concerns they might contain trace amounts of asbestos. The affected products bear barcode numbers 5050837662419 and 5050835105345.
An Asda spokesperson emphasized that while the company has received no reports of harm to children, they are recalling the toys "out of an abundance of caution." The spokesperson stated, "The overall risk is considered low, but because asbestos shouldn't be present in any amount, we are recalling the affected items as a precaution." Customers who purchased these toys are advised to return them to any Asda store for a full refund, regardless of whether they have a receipt.
Broader Implications for Toy Safety Standards
These consecutive recalls highlight ongoing concerns about product safety in the children's toy market. Regulatory bodies are increasingly vigilant about potential contaminants in imported toys, particularly those containing granular or fibrous materials that could harbor hazardous substances. The incidents serve as a stark reminder for parents to remain alert to product safety notices and for manufacturers to maintain rigorous quality control throughout their supply chains.
Consumer protection agencies are likely to intensify scrutiny of similar products in the coming weeks, potentially leading to further recalls if contamination is discovered elsewhere in the market. Parents are encouraged to regularly check official safety recall websites and register products when possible to receive direct notifications about safety concerns.
