Parents across the UK have been issued an urgent safety warning following the recall of a popular children's craft set that could potentially contain asbestos. The Hobbycraft Sand and Pom Pom Art Kit, sold between October 2023 and January 2026, has been identified as presenting a significant health risk due to possible contamination in its sand component.
Immediate Health Hazard Identified
The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has officially declared the product a "risk to health" after investigations revealed that the sand included in the creative set may be contaminated with a small quantity of asbestos. This development comes just weeks after the craft retailer removed another product from sale following independent laboratory testing initiated by a concerned parent.
Official Safety Statements
The OPSS hazard statement clearly outlines the danger: "The product presents a risk to health as the 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 regulatory body has confirmed that the product fails to meet the stringent requirements of the General Product Safety Regulations 2005.
Hobbycraft has responded proactively, stating: "The recall is being initiated due to the identification of a potential safety concern with the play sand contained in the kit. This action is being taken in the interests of customer safety and in line with our obligations under the General Product Safety Regulations 2005." The company emphasises that testing has detected trace asbestos in some samples, prompting this precautionary measure.
Critical Safety Instructions for Parents
The OPSS strongly recommends that owners immediately cease using the product and ensure it is kept completely out of children's reach. Detailed disposal instructions have been issued to ensure safe handling:
- Stop using the product immediately and prevent any further contact.
- If the sand remains in its original packaging, place it in a heavy-duty plastic bag, seal it securely with double tape, label it clearly, and store it in a secure location away from children.
- For sand that has already been used, clean affected areas using wet cloths to minimise dust generation. Wear protective gloves and a mask during this process.
- Double bag all contaminated materials including sand, gloves, masks, and cleaning cloths.
- Keep children and other individuals away from areas where the sand was used until thorough cleaning has been completed.
- Return the sand vials to your nearest Hobbycraft store for a full refund.
- If unable to visit a store, follow the disposal instructions above and place the sand in general household waste before contacting Hobbycraft for your refund.
Contact Information and Next Steps
For additional information and support, concerned consumers are directed to visit the dedicated Hobbycraft recall webpage or contact customer service directly on 0330 026 1400. The product in question carries the identification number 6669851000, and all units sold during the specified period are subject to this recall.
This incident highlights the ongoing importance of product safety vigilance and the crucial role that both regulatory bodies and consumer awareness play in protecting public health. Parents who purchased this craft kit during the affected timeframe are urged to take immediate action to safeguard their families from potential exposure.
