'Stop using immediately': urgent recall of popular children's toy after asbestos contamination fears
The toy was available to buy at The Entertainer, Tesco, Matalan and M&S 🚨
- A toy has been recalled from UK retailers after fears it may contain asbestos.
- It was available to buy at The Entertainer, Tesco, Matalan and M&S.
- Asbestos poses a health risk even at low levels of exposure.
Parents are being urged to look out for a sand art kit that has been recalled over fears it may have been contaminated by small levels of asbestos.
The toy was available to buy at leading retailers including The Entertainer, Tesco, Matalan and M&S, with anyone who has purchased it being warned to “stop using immediately”, by the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS).
Asbestos was banned in the UK in November 1999; it poses serious health risks even at low levels of exposure. Here is everything you need to know about the toy recall and what to do if you have the product in your home.
What is asbestos?
Asbestos is a mineral that can cause serious health risks, even at low levels. It was commonly used in building materials until the risks of breathing in the material were discovered. Blue and brown asbestos have been banned in the UK since 1985; the ban was extended to include white asbestos in 1999.
All forms of asbestos are hazardous. When products containing asbestos are disrupted or damaged, they release fibres into the air that, when breathed in, can cause respiratory illness and fatal diseases, including cancer.
What product has been recalled?
An urgent recall for Addo Play Limited Out To Impress Sand Art Creations has been issued over fears it may be contaminated with small levels of asbestos. The toy was distributed by The Entertainer, Tesco, Matalan and M&S stores and websites between the dates stated below.
Sold between August 2023 and February 2026, the item code is 318-19149-B. The sand art kit, which was aimed at children aged between five and 10, contained play sand in multiple colours and plastic bottles.
The alert comes after another toy was recalled on February 17, over fears that sand could be contaminated with small levels of asbestos. HTI Toys Stretcherz Toys, were sold in high street stores including ALDI, Argos, ASDA, B&M, Smyths Toys, Tesco, TK Maxx/Homesense, and The Works, with a similar warning issued to parents.
What to do if you’ve bought the toy?
If you have bought the item, stop using it immediately. If the sand is still in its packaging, do not return it to the store, place it in a heavy-duty plastic bag, double-tape it securely, label it clearly and store it in a secure location out of the reach of children before placing it in general household waste.
If the sand has been used, wear a glove and mask to clean up areas where the toy was played with, using wet cloths to avoid generating dust. Double-bag any sand, gloves, mask and cloth. Keep children and other people away from areas where the sand has been used until the area is cleaned. After following these instructions, the sand art kit can be disposed of in the general household waste.
You can find out more about the full product recall and any other recalls of household items and toys at OPPS.