Children’s toys sold across numerous major retailers in Scotland and the wider UK have been subject to an urgent recall due to fears of asbestos contamination. The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has advised consumers to immediately cease using the affected items, given the significant health risks posed by asbestos.
The recall specifically targets several products, including certain HTI Toys Stretcherz. These stretch toys contain a sand-like substance. Also affected are the Colour Day’s Sand Art activity kit, which includes coloured sand, bottles, and tools, and Addo Play Limited’s Out To Impress Sand Art Creations, another sand art kit with various coloured play sands and plastic bottles.
The Addo Play item, identified by code 318-19149-B, was available for purchase between August 2023 and February 2026. The wide distribution of these products means many Scottish households could be affected by this critical safety alert.
Retailers that stocked these products include The Entertainer, Tesco, Matalan, M&S, Smyths, Asda, Amazon, Aldi, Argos, TK Maxx/Homesense, The Works, and eBay. Customers who purchased these items through online platforms like Amazon and eBay are also urged to check their purchases.
Asbestos is a substance banned due to the serious health dangers associated with even minimal exposure. The OPSS has emphasised the importance of safe handling and disposal to mitigate these risks for children and adults alike.
The OPSS has issued clear guidance for consumers who own these recalled toys. It advises against returning the items directly to stores without following specific safety protocols. Instead, customers should securely dispose of the products and then seek a refund from the retailer where the purchase was made.
For products where the sand remains in its original packaging, the OPSS recommends placing it in a heavy-duty plastic bag. This bag should then be double taped securely and clearly labelled before being stored in a safe location, out of the reach of children.
If the sand has already been used, consumers are advised to clean up any affected areas using wet cloths to prevent the generation of dust. During this process, wearing gloves and a mask is recommended. The used sand, gloves, mask, and cloths should then be double bagged for disposal. The OPSS also advises keeping children and other individuals away from areas where the sand has been used until cleaning is complete. The securely bagged waste can then be disposed of in general household waste. More information on product safety recalls can often be found on official government websites, such as gov.uk’s product safety alerts page.
The Entertainer has specifically asked customers not to bring the recalled items back to their stores. Instead, they encourage customers to follow the OPSS disposal instructions. The retailer confirmed that customers are entitled to a full refund and should contact the point of purchase to arrange this. This situation highlights the ongoing need for vigilance in product safety, a topic often covered by the Scottish Review, such as in our report on Clydebank Supermarket Targeted in Early Morning Break-in, which touched on retail security.
The recall serves as a critical reminder of the stringent safety standards expected for children’s products. Authorities across the UK continuously monitor goods available to the public to ensure compliance, similar to how health and safety are paramount in other public areas, as seen in incidents like Man Hospitalised After Assault at Glasgow Sports Centre.
Parents and guardians in Scotland are urged to check any toys matching the descriptions of the recalled products immediately. Prompt action is crucial to ensure the safety and wellbeing of children. Further details on consumer rights and product safety can be found via Citizens Advice Scotland. The Scottish Review has also reported on various consumer safety concerns, including East Lothian Home Raided by E-Bike Gang, underscoring broader public safety issues affecting communities.
