Hobbycraft issues full recall of asbestos-tainted children's play sand

"The asbestos was discovered by a customer whose children had played with the sand at a party. The parent, who did not wish to be named, recognised it from reports of a recall in Australia and New Zealand and paid for a lab test. She alerted Hobbycraft when three of the five bottles in its Giant Box of Craft set were found to contain fibrous tremolite asbestos."

"However, after carrying out its own independent tests, Hobbycraft has now issued a full recall, stating: The product presents a risk to health as the vials of sand included in the set may be contaminated with a small quantity of asbestos. Asbestos is a banned substance because it poses a risk to health even at low levels of exposure. The product does not meet the requirements of the General Product Safety Regulations 2005."

"It is now instructing customers who bought the sand to stop using it immediately and keep it out of the reach of children. If the sand is still in its packaging, they should 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."

Hobbycraft has issued a full recall of its children's coloured play sand after confirming some vials contained asbestos. A customer detected asbestos after children played with the sand, paid for a lab test, and alerted Hobbycraft when three of five bottles in the Giant Box of Craft set were found to contain fibrous tremolite asbestos. Hobbycraft initially withdrew the product from sale without alerting customers but issued a full recall after independent tests. The company instructs customers to stop using the sand, keep it out of children's reach, and follow disposal and cleaning guidance. Parents can return sand vials at Hobbycraft stores for a full refund or dispose of the sand in general household waste.

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