The warning, published by the UK’s product safety regulator, highlights potential health risks linked to contaminated materials used inside the toys. Parents and carers are now being advised to stop using the items and follow strict disposal guidance.
The recall affects three stretchy toys: the HGL Stretchy Sand Monster Truck, the Scrunchems Stretchies Sleepy Dino Toy, and the HGL Stretchy Sand Pig. According to notices released by the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS), the sand used as filling in these products may contain a “small quantity” of asbestos, a substance banned due to its serious health implications.
The toys were manufactured in China and distributed in the UK by One For Fun Limited. The regulator has classified the issue as a potential “risk to health”, prompting immediate action to remove the items from circulation and alert the public.
Health Risks and Official Guidance on Handling Affected Toys
Asbestos exposure is known to cause diseases including mesothelioma, a type of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs. According to the OPSS, even limited exposure presents a concern, which has led to precautionary measures being put in place.
Owners of the affected toys are instructed to stop using them immediately and ensure they are kept out of children’s reach. The guidance distinguishes between undamaged and damaged items. If a toy remains intact, it should be placed in a heavy-duty plastic bag, securely sealed with tape, clearly labelled, and stored safely until disposal.
Where a toy has broken and the sand filling is exposed, the instructions are more stringent. According to the OPSS, individuals should wear gloves and a mask before cleaning any contaminated area using damp cloths to minimise dust. All materials involved in the clean-up process, including gloves and cloths, should then be double-bagged along with the sand.
The regulator also advises that children and others should be kept away from affected areas until cleaning is complete. The toys can be disposed of in general household waste or returned to a retailer where applicable.
Company Response and Wider Implications for Product Safety
One For Fun Limited has acknowledged the issue and confirmed that the affected products have been withdrawn. In a statement to the Press Association, chief executive David Mordecai said the company became aware of “recent global reports” concerning asbestos traces in sand used in consumer products.
According to Mordecai, independent testing was carried out across the company’s range following these reports. While current European safety standards, known as EN71, do not require testing for asbestos in such materials, the company’s investigation identified trace contamination in three items.
He stated that the company has now discontinued the use of sand as a filler in all current and future products. According to the same statement, this decision was taken as part of a broader commitment to product safety and ongoing review of materials and manufacturing processes.
The incident also highlights a gap in existing regulatory frameworks. As noted in the company’s response, asbestos testing is not currently mandated under EN71 standards, raising questions about how such risks are monitored in imported goods. For now, the focus remains on ensuring that affected products are removed from homes safely and that consumers follow the guidance issued by the OPSS.
