The UK Government has recalled nearly 40 products this year, including numerous children's toys, over fears that the sand they contain may have traces of asbestos. Asbestos is banned in the UK due to its health risks, even in small amounts. The Office for Product Safety and Standards urges consumers to stop using affected items immediately and keep them away from children. Guidance has been provided on safe disposal or return.
Background and School Concerns
The recall follows concerns at schools in northern England about contaminated play sand. Two schools in North Tyneside were closed on May 14 for testing but reopened after initial negative results. Director of Public Health Louise Gray assessed the risk as low, stating: 'We are working closely with schools, the UK Health Security Agency, and partners to ensure a coordinated response.'
Full List of Withdrawn Products
- Colour Forge Basing Sand (Moss Green and Atlantiko Blue)
- Addo Play Limited Paw Patrol Sand Art Pictures Kit
- Addo Play Limited Paw Patrol Bumper Craft Collection
- My Living World Worm Kit
- Addo Play Limited Out To Impress Sand Art Creations
- KTL 2.2kg Squishy Hot Colour Gorilla Toy
- KTL Sensory Science Kit
- KTL Stretchy Poop Toy
- Texet Bright Start Fluorescent Coloured Craft Sand Pack of 6
- Addo Play Limited Out to Impress Creative Candles Kit
- KTL Kreative Kids! Jumbo Craft Box
- Hobbycraft Giant Box of Craft
- Hobbycraft Sand and Pom Pom Art Kit
- Hobbycraft Easter Bumper Craft Kit
- KTL Squishy Stretchy Capybara
- KTL 3Pcs Test Tube Science Kit
- KTL Decorative Glass Bottle of Sand
- KTL 6" Stretchy Monster 6 Assorted Stretchy Toys
- Multi-Colour Ultra-Fine Quartz Sand
- KTL Squeezy Splatter Pig
- Texet Bright Start Coloured Crafting Sand Pack of 20
- Scrunchems Stretchies Sleepy Dino Toy
- HGL Stretchy Sand Pig Toy
- KTL 2pc Balloon Dog Toy
- KTL Stretchy Dog Toys
- WOODEN QIYI Sand Activity Toy
- Sand Art Activity Kit
- HGL Stretchy Sand Monster Truck/Car Toys
- Squishy Sausage Dogs and Squishy Pugs
- ORB Funkee Sand Toys
- Stretchy Gorilla Toys
- Craft Time Sand Art Bracelets
- Kids Create Sand Art Kit
- Galt Nature Craft Kit
- Smyths Toys Dig Products
- Hunter Price's Crayola-Branded Discovery Craft Box
- HTI Toys Stretcherz Toys
- Hunter Price’s Crayola-Branded Touchy Feely Craft Box
- Dunelm Novelty Doorstops
Official warnings for each product are available on the Government website. The Office for Product Safety and Standards continues to monitor the situation and advises consumers to check recalled items and follow disposal instructions.
