A children’s craft product sold exclusively through Asda stores has been recalled across the UK after testing indicated it may contain traces of asbestos. Customers who purchased the item have been advised to stop using it and follow specific disposal instructions.
The recall applies to a toy that had been on sale for several years and has prompted guidance from both the retailer and product safety authorities. Consumers can return affected items without proof of purchase.
Asda has issued a recall for the Grafix Make Your Own Sand Bottle (Star & Heart), following concerns that the coloured play sand included in the product may be contaminated with a small quantity of asbestos.
According to the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS), asbestos is a banned substance because it presents a risk to health even at low levels of exposure. The regulator said the product does not meet the requirements set out under the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011.
Recall Affects Toy Sold in Asda Stores since 2021
The recalled product is identified as the Grafix Make Your Own Sand Bottle (Star & Heart), model R06-0106/AS, with barcode 5015934717660. According to the OPSS recall notice published on 18 May 2026, the product falls within the category of indoor and outdoor games and was manufactured in China.
The affected kits were sold exclusively through Asda stores between August 2021 and May 2026. The product included coloured play sand and a star- or heart-shaped plastic bottle packaged in printed cardboard.
According to information published by the OPSS, the recall action includes both withdrawal of the product from the market and a recall from end users. The agency described the issue as a health risk linked to possible asbestos contamination in the sand.
Asda also issued a statement explaining that the product had passed standard PLM testing at the time of shipment and supply, but that newer SEM testing later indicated the possible presence of asbestos traces. The retailer stated that customer safety remained its highest priority and said the recall was being carried out as a precautionary measure.
Customers Advised on Disposal and Refund Process
Consumers who own the product have been instructed to stop using it immediately and follow disposal guidance before returning it.
According to the OPSS instructions, unopened sand should be placed in a heavy-duty plastic bag, securely double taped, clearly labelled and stored safely out of the reach of children.
Where the sand has already been used, customers have been advised to clean affected areas using wet cloths to reduce dust generation and to wear gloves and a mask during the process. The guidance also states that the sand, gloves, mask and cloths should all be double bagged after use.
People are advised to keep children and others away from any area where the product was used until cleaning has been completed. Affected customers can return the product to any Asda store for a full refund, and no receipt is required. For additional information, Asda directed consumers to its product recall page and the OPSS guidance on asbestos in consumer products.
