Major Children's Toy Recall Over Asbestos Contamination Risk
The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has issued an urgent mass recall for a range of children's toys after discovering they may be contaminated with asbestos. The recall affects ORB Funkee Sand Toys sold through major retailers including The Entertainer, Tesco, Matalan, Hobbycraft, and British Garden Centres.
Immediate Action Required
The OPSS has issued a stark warning to consumers: "We recommend owners stop using this product immediately and keep it out of the reach of children." The recall notice states that the sand in these toys "may be contaminated with a small quantity of asbestos," which presents a serious health risk even at low exposure levels.
Affected Products
The recall covers toys sold between July 2025 and February 2026, including:
- Glow-in-the-dark Jumbo Monkey - 17741
- Funkee Small Axolotl - 17459
- Funkee Monkee Mega - 41929
- Galaxy Jumbo Monkey - 17736
- Gold Jumbo Monkey - 17451
- Funkee Small Dogs - 42228
- Funkee Jumbo Dog - 17409
These products have been withdrawn from the market and recalled by The Entertainer, which is coordinating the recall process. The OPSS confirms that "the product does not meet the requirements of the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011."
Critical Disposal Instructions
Owners of these toys must follow specific disposal procedures to minimize risk:
- Stop using the product immediately.
- If the sand is still packaged, place it in a heavy-duty plastic bag, double-tape it securely, label it clearly, and store it safely away from children.
- If the sand has been used, clean affected areas with wet cloths to avoid dust generation. Wear gloves and a mask during cleanup.
- Double-bag the sand, gloves, mask, and cloths together.
- Keep children and others away from areas where the sand was used until thoroughly cleaned.
- Dispose of the product in general household waste or return it to the retailer for a full refund as specified.
Contact Information
For further details about the recall, consumers should contact The Entertainer directly via email at ProductRecall@theentertainer.com or by calling their free-phone number: +44 808 501 3005. The company is handling all aspects of the product return and refund process.
This recall represents one of the most significant product safety actions in recent years, highlighting the ongoing importance of rigorous safety standards for children's products. Asbestos exposure, even in small quantities, can pose serious long-term health risks, making immediate compliance with this recall essential for all affected households.
