Major high street shop issues urgent asbestos warning over toy
The shop has advised customers to stop using the product immediately and to keep it out of reach of children.
A major high street store has issued an urgent warning to parents over a product that could contain asbestos. Hobbycraft has recalled its Giant Box of Craft product after tests revealed that the coloured sand may contain a "small quantity" of asbestos.
This was announced on Tuesday by the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS), which warned that even low-level exposure to asbestos can pose a health risk. The product has been withdrawn from sale and recalled from customers with immediate effect.
The affected item, sold under the Hobbycraft brand, is described as a box of mixed craft supplies containing vials of coloured sand. It carries the product number 6686021000, printed beneath the barcode on the packaging, and was manufactured in China. According to the OPSS, the product does not meet the requirements of the General Product Safety Regulations 2005.
READ MORE: Lidl issues urgent product recall over allergy risk - 'do not eat'
READ MORE: Tesco and Lidl issue 'unsafe to eat' warning to buyers of rice and snack
The watchdog said the sand vials may contain a small quantity of asbestos, which can be hazardous if fibres are inhaled, particularly by children.
The following disposal advice has been issued:
Stop using the product immediately
If the sand is still in its packaging, 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
If the sand has been used, clean up the site where the product was used with wet cloths to avoid generating dust. Wear gloves and a mask. Double-bag the sand, gloves, mask and cloths
Keep children and other people away from areas where the sand has been used until the area has been cleaned
Return the sand vials from the product to your nearest Hobbycraft store for a full refund
If you are unable to get to a Hobbycraft store, please follow the instructions above and dispose of the sand in your general household waste. Contact Hobbycraft for a full refund.
Hobbycraft has advised customers to stop using the product immediately and to keep it out of reach of children. Those who still have the sand in its original packaging are advised to double-bag it in a heavy-duty plastic bag, seal it securely and store it safely until it can be returned or disposed of.
If the sand has already been used, customers are urged to clean affected areas using wet cloths to avoid creating dust, while wearing gloves and a mask. All materials used in the clean-up should be double-bagged before disposal.
Consumers can return the sand vials to any Hobbycraft store for a full refund. Customers who are unable to visit a store may dispose of the sand in their general household waste after following the safety instructions and should contact Hobbycraft to arrange a refund.
Further information is available on the Hobbycraft website, or via its customer service helpline on 0330 026 1400.
