Major Retailers Recall Children's Toy Over Asbestos Contamination Risk
Toy Recalled Over Asbestos Risk at Tesco, M&S, Matalan

Major Retailers Recall Popular Children's Toy Over Asbestos Contamination Risk

The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has issued an urgent recall notice for a popular children's toy due to a serious asbestos contamination risk. The recall affects the Addo Play Limited Out to Impress Creative Candles Kit, a sand art product that has been sold at multiple major retailers across the United Kingdom.

Retailers Involved in the Recall

Several prominent retailers have been implicated in this safety recall, including Tesco, Marks & Spencer, Matalan, and The Entertainer. Additional retailers such as Hobbycraft, Moonpig, British Garden Centres, and TG Jones have also sold the potentially hazardous product between September 2024 and February 2026.

The product has been described as a creative sand art kit containing multiple colours of play sand along with plastic bottles for crafting. The OPSS has determined that the sand may be contaminated with a small quantity of asbestos, leading to the immediate recall action.

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Health Risks and Regulatory Violations

The hazard warning issued by the OPSS states clearly: "The product presents a risk to health as the sand 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."

Furthermore, the regulatory body has confirmed that the product does not meet the requirements of the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011, which sets mandatory safety standards for all toys sold in the United Kingdom. The specific item code for the recalled product is 19180, with the Marks & Spencer specific product code being T554448.

Immediate Actions Required

As a direct result of the recall notice, the manufacturer Addo Play Limited has withdrawn the product from the market and initiated a recall from end users. All involved retailers have been instructed to remove the product from their shelves and implement customer return procedures.

The recall advice is unequivocal: "We recommend owners stop using this product immediately and keep it out of the reach of children." Consumers are urged to follow specific disposal and return instructions provided by the retailers and regulatory authorities.

Detailed Disposal Instructions

The OPSS has issued comprehensive disposal guidance to ensure public safety:

  1. Stop using the product immediately without delay.
  2. If the sand remains in its original packaging, place it in a heavy-duty plastic bag, double tape it securely, label it clearly, and store it in a secure location away from children.
  3. If the sand has been used, clean all affected areas using wet cloths to prevent dust generation. Wear protective gloves and a mask during cleanup.
  4. Double bag all contaminated materials including the sand, gloves, masks, and cleaning cloths.
  5. Keep children and other individuals away from areas where the sand has been used until thorough cleaning has been completed.
  6. Dispose of the product in general household waste or return it to the retailer for a full refund as specified by individual store policies.

All companies involved—Addo Play Limited, The Entertainer, Matalan, Tesco, and Marks & Spencer—have published recall notices on the official OPSS recall page, providing customers with specific return procedures and contact information for further assistance.

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