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Urgent Toy Recall: Asbestos Risk Poses Health Hazard
24 Feb
Summary
- Popular toys recalled due to potential asbestos contamination.
- Office for Product Safety and Standards issued urgent recall notices.
- Consumers urged to stop using and safely dispose of affected toys.
A significant number of children's toys have been withdrawn from sale and recalled from consumers across the UK due to fears they may contain asbestos. Retailers such as Smyth's, The Entertainer, Marks and Spencer, Tesco, Asda, and Amazon are among those involved in the recall process. The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has issued urgent notices, advising anyone who has purchased these toys to cease their use immediately.
Asbestos is a banned substance known for posing health risks even at low levels. The OPSS has provided specific instructions for the safe disposal of the recalled toys and urged customers to return them for a full refund. Products specifically affected include various "Stretcherz" toys from HTI Toys and "Sand Art" activity kits from Colour Day's and Addo Play Limited.
The recall period for some items extends to February 2026, indicating products purchased within the last few years are affected. The OPSS guidance for handling the potentially contaminated toys involves secure double-bagging and, if sand has been used, wet cleaning methods to prevent dust generation. Consumers are directed to return products to the place of purchase or dispose of them following OPSS guidelines.
