Urgent Recall Issued for Popular Sand-Filled Toys Over Asbestos Concerns
A widely sold toy range has been urgently pulled from shelves after safety tests suggested potential asbestos contamination. The recall affects ORB Funkee Sand Toys, stretchy sand-filled products that have been removed from sale following alarming test results.
Safety Regulator Issues Stern Warning
The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has confirmed the products present a significant health risk and fail to meet UK safety regulations. In an official safety notice, the regulator stated: "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 health risk even at low levels of exposure. The product does not meet the requirements of the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011."
Where the Toys Were Sold
The affected toys were available both in physical stores and online between July 2025 and February 2026 at multiple major retailers including:
- The Entertainer
- Tesco
- Matalan
- Hobbycraft
- British Garden Centres
Immediate Action Required for Owners
Customers who have purchased these toys are being urged to take immediate precautions. The OPSS strongly recommends: "Stop using this product immediately and keep it out of the reach of children." For further information, affected consumers should contact The Entertainer via ProductRecall@theentertainer.com or the free-phone number +44 808 501 3005.
Specific Disposal Instructions
The regulator has provided detailed guidance for safe disposal of the contaminated products:
- 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.
- If the sand has been used: Clean affected areas using wet cloths to minimize dust generation. Wear protective gloves and a mask during cleanup. Double bag all contaminated materials including sand, gloves, masks, and cleaning cloths.
- Keep children and other individuals away from areas where the sand has been used until thorough cleaning has been completed.
Affected Products and Refund Information
The recall covers specific ORB Funkee Sand Toy models:
- Glow-in-the-dark Jumbo Monkey – Product code: 17741
- Funkee Small Axolotl – Product code: 17459
- Funkee Monkee Mega – Product code: 41929
- Galaxy Jumbo Monkey – Product code: 17736
- Gold Jumbo Monkey – Product code: 17451
- Funkee Small Dogs – Product code: 42228
- Funkee Jumbo Dog – Product code: 17409
Customers can dispose of the products in general household waste or return them to retailers for a full refund where specified. However, The Entertainer has specifically requested that customers do not return items directly to stores but instead contact them directly for refund arrangements.
Broader Toy Safety Context
This recall occurs within a concerning pattern of recent toy safety alerts. Multiple Stretcherz toys were previously recalled after being sold at numerous retailers including Aldi, Argos, Asda, B&M, The Entertainer, Early Learning Centre, Home Bargains, Morrisons, Poundland, Primark, Smyths Toys, Tesco, TK Maxx/Homesense and The Works.
Additional affected products include Colour Day's Sand Art activity kits sold on Amazon and eBay, along with Addo Play's Out To Impress Sand Art Creations stocked by The Entertainer, Tesco, Matalan and Marks & Spencer. Parents and caregivers are strongly advised to carefully inspect toys and follow official safety guidance if they suspect they may have purchased any recalled products.
