A range of colourful children’s sand products, imported from China and sold at major Australian retailers, has been recalled due to fears they may contain asbestos. The products, including Kadink Sand and Educational Colours Rainbow Sand, were sold between 2020 and 2025, and the Australian Consumer Competition Commission (ACCC) has urged consumers to stop using them immediately.
Asbestos Concerns Lead to Voluntary Recall
The recall affects products such as the 1.3kg Kadink Sand and Educational Colours Rainbow Sand, as well as 1kg Creatistics Coloured Sand. Officeworks, a major retailer involved in the recall, said tests on some Kadink products revealed the presence of microscopic asbestos fibres, prompting the company to issue the recall. Asbestos is a highly dangerous material that has been banned in Australia since 2003, and its presence in children’s play sand products is a serious concern.
The recall was triggered after an independent laboratory identified asbestos in certain batches of the sand. However, Officeworks stated that no immediate safety hazard was identified through risk assessments, and the recall was undertaken as a precaution. Despite this, the ACCC is advising parents to take immediate action to dispose of the sand properly, wearing protective gear like gloves and masks during handling.
Retailers and Consumer Safety
The products were sold not only by Officeworks but also through other retailers such as Educating Kids, Modern Teaching Aids, and Zart Art. The recall affects approximately 1.3kg and 2kg packages of the sand, which had been on sale for several years, details The Guardian. The ACCC has emphasized that customers should act quickly to dispose of any affected products safely. This includes placing the sand in a sealed plastic bag and keeping it out of reach of children.
Experts have sought to reassure concerned parents. Associate Professor Anthony Linton from the Asbestos and Dust Diseases Research Institute explained that while the risk of harm is likely low, the situation highlights the importance of testing products for safety, especially when it comes to hazardous materials like asbestos.
The Need for Better Testing
The recall has raised concerns about the effectiveness of import safety testing in Australia. Barry Robson, president of the Asbestos Diseases Foundation of Australia, expressed concern that these products had “slipped through the cracks” despite the known dangers of asbestos. He called for more rigorous testing of imported goods to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Asbestos-related diseases continue to be a significant public health issue in Australia, with thousands of deaths annually. While the immediate danger posed by the recalled sand products may be minimal, the incident underscores the importance of vigilance when it comes to consumer safety, especially with children’s products.
