Traces of asbestos have been discovered in several colours of sand from the Giant Box of Craft, prompting an urgent product recall across the UK. The company has withdrawn the product from sale and urged customers to return it immediately and keep it away from children.
Concerns about the presence of asbestos in children’s arts and crafts materials have grown following a parent’s independent test results. Samples of sand from Hobbycraft’s popular craft set were found to contain tremolite asbestos, a banned and potentially harmful substance, raising questions about product safety oversight.
The UK-based craft retailer confirmed it is working with the Office for Product Safety and Standards and Trading Standards to manage the situation. The sand, which is packaged in small coloured bottles as part of a larger 1,000-piece craft kit, has been linked to a wider alert involving similar products recalled in Australia and New Zealand in late 2025.
Asbestos Identified in Coloured Sand Sold by Hobbycraft
Independent laboratory tests commissioned by a UK parent identified fibrous tremolite asbestos in three of five colours (yellow, green and pink) contained in Hobbycraft’s Giant Box of Craft. According to a recall notice from the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS), the affected sand “may be contaminated with a small quantity of asbestos,” which “poses a risk to health even at low levels of exposure.”
The affected sand, manufactured in China, was initially removed from sale by Hobbycraft after concerns were raised. At the time, no formal recall was issued by the company. However, following pressure from safety authorities and public concern, Hobbycraft initiated a voluntary recall, stating that “product safety is of the utmost importance” and that the move was “in line with regulatory guidance,” according to the statement issued by the company.
The OPSS has advised that any household with the product should stop using it immediately. Areas where the sand was opened or used should be cleaned with wet cloths to minimise airborne dust. Gloves and masks are recommended during cleanup, and all used materials, including the sand, should be double-bagged and labelled as asbestos-contaminated waste. Customers are encouraged to contact Hobbycraft for further information and disposal guidance.
Government Response and Regulatory Concerns
The discovery has also reignited debate over the UK’s regulatory framework for product safety. According to The Guardian, the presence of asbestos was not flagged by UK authorities until after a private individual conducted testing. A government spokesperson later criticised Hobbycraft’s initial hesitation to issue a recall, stating there was “no good reason” not to act given the test results.
The situation echoes recent events in Australia and New Zealand, where similar coloured sand products were withdrawn from sale and schools closed as a precaution. According to the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment in New Zealand, some Kmart play sand sets tested positive for asbestos late last year. In both countries, proactive measures were taken to remove contaminated items from circulation.
In the UK, the case has exposed post-Brexit gaps in consumer protection. Under previous EU rules, the precautionary principle allowed the government to restrict potentially dangerous products without requiring firm scientific proof. That clause has since been removed. According to the British Occupational Hygiene Society, this change limits the government’s ability to act quickly, potentially leaving children and consumers exposed.
While Hobbycraft has stated there is “no evidence of any injury or harm to customers,” health experts maintain that long-term exposure to asbestos (even in small quantities) can increase the risk of cancer. As of now, the overall risk is believed to be low, but officials have urged caution.
The recall remains active, and customers in possession of the affected Giant Box of Craft are strongly encouraged to follow the safety instructions available on Hobbycraft’s website or in stores.
