Story Highlight
– Multiple toys recalled due to asbestos contamination risk.
– Kids Create Sand Art Kit is the latest addition.
– Sand kits manufactured in China with potential health hazards.
– OPSS recommends stopping use and securing the product.
– Customers should return toys to place of purchase.
Full Story
A significant addition to an existing recall of children’s toys in the UK has raised concerns over health and safety due to asbestos contamination. This announcement follows prior alerts that resulted in various toys being removed from sale across the nation.
The latest product implicated in this issue is the Kids Create Sand Art Kit, which has been pulled from store shelves amid mounting worries about the potentially dangerous substance. This particular sand art kit, characterised by its barcode 5012128618222 and model number YKICACA4A016, was included in this most recent recall, indicating a serious health risk associated with its use.
In its advisory, the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) indicated that the sales of these kits occurred from January 2025 to February 2026. The kits, which are manufactured in China, consist of three bags of coloured sand weighing 20 grams each.
The recall notice specifically cautions that the product poses a health risk as it may be contaminated with a trace amount of asbestos. Given that asbestos is a substance banned in the UK due to its health risks—exposure to even minimal levels of the fibre can lead to serious respiratory issues—it is clear that the product breaches the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011.
IGDesign Group UK Limited, the manufacturer in question, has taken action to recall the product from consumers. The OPSS has stated that other distributors linked to this recall will be updated as further information is made available.
In light of the dangers, the OPSS has issued urgent guidance advising consumers to cease the use of the sand art kit immediately and to ensure it is kept out of children’s reach. For those who still have the product in its original packaging, the OPSS recommends placing it in a heavy-duty plastic bag, sealing it securely with double tape, marking it clearly, and storing it in a safe location away from children.
If a child has already used the sand, parents should take extra precautions when cleaning up, such as using wet cloths to prevent dust from dispersing. It is also advised that individuals handling the product or cleaning any contaminated surfaces should wear gloves and face masks. Following cleaning, items such as used cloths along with the remaining sand should be double-bagged for safety. Until the area has been thoroughly cleaned, children and any other individuals should be kept away from these locations.
Affected consumers are encouraged to return the product to the retailer from which it was purchased to seek a refund or other compensation, as appropriate.
The current recall is part of a broader pattern that emerged earlier this year when Hobbycraft issued a similar urgent recall notice. Traces of asbestos were detected in several of their children’s toy lines, prompting them to pull the Giant Box of Craft and the Sand and Pom Pom Art Kit from shelves. Additionally, Aldi has also responded to these concerns by recalling certain toys as a precautionary measure.
To ensure clarity for concerned parents and caregivers, a full list of toys recalled due to asbestos concerns includes:
– **Kids Create Sand Art Kit**: Barcode 5012128618222
– **Hobbycraft**:
– My Living World Worm Kit: Product Code 5830641000
– Basing Sand: Product Code 6873931000
– Sand & Pom Pom Art Kit: Product Code not specified
– Easter Bumper Craft Kit: Product Code 6669851000
– Giant Box of Craft: Product Code 6835991000
– **Asda**:
– Stretch Squad Assortment: Barcode 5050837662419
– Slammers Assortment: Barcode 5050835105345
– **Aldi**:
– Stretcherz 4 Pack: Barcode 5050835030340
– Stretch Squad Skulls Twin Pack (3 assorted): Barcode 5050835008349
– Stretch Skulls – Pink and Green: Barcode 5050839102142
– Stretch Skulls – Green and Blue: Barcode 5050839102142
– Stretch Skulls – Green and Pink: Barcode 5050839102142
As concerns over toy safety continue to rise, parents are urged to stay vigilant and informed about the products they purchase for their children. The potential repercussions of asbestos exposure are profound, underscoring the importance of adhering to recall directives. The retail community is expected to take swift action to ensure that affected products are removed and that public safety remains a top priority.
Our Thoughts
The recall of children’s toys containing asbestos highlights significant lapses in safety protocols. To avoid such incidents, manufacturers and suppliers need to implement more rigorous testing and quality control processes to ensure compliance with regulations, notably the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011, which prohibit harmful substances like asbestos.
Key safety lessons include the necessity of thorough risk assessments during the product design phase and continuous monitoring of materials sourced from suppliers, especially those based abroad. Enhanced communication and transparency about product sourcing could further mitigate risks associated with hazardous materials.
The breaches in regulation stem from the use of banned substances in products intended for children, which compromises their health and safety. Similar incidents could be prevented by increasing industry scrutiny and ensuring that all parties in the supply chain adhere to strict safety standards. Regular audits and enforced penalties for non-compliance would also foster a safer environment for consumers. Immediate actions should include the swift cessation of product sales and clear instructions for parents on safely handling contaminated items.
