The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) issued the recall notice on 16 September 2026, advising owners to stop using the product immediately. The item has been withdrawn from sale and recalled from customers by Smyths Toys while safety concerns are addressed.
Product Withdrawn After Safety Checks Identify Possible Contamination
The recalled toy consists of a poplar wood board and six colourful toss bags featuring red, blue and white stripes. It was sold as an indoor and outdoor game, with the affected product listed under the toys category.
According to the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS), the sand inside the bags may be contaminated with a small quantity of asbestos. The organisation stated that the product does not meet the requirements of the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011 and presents a health risk because asbestos exposure can be harmful even at low levels.
Asbestos is a substance that was previously used in a range of building materials before restrictions were introduced because of its health risks. When asbestos fibres become airborne and are inhaled, they can become trapped in the lungs.
Smyths Toys said testing showed that the sand-like material inside the toss bags may contain trace levels of asbestos. The company said the overall risk is low, but it is recalling affected products as a precaution and has asked customers to stop using them and keep them away from children.
The retailer has advised customers to return the toy to their nearest Smyths Toys store for a full refund without needing a receipt. Customers who cannot return the product directly have been advised to follow local authority guidance on safe disposal.
Customers Given Instructions for Handling Affected Toys
The OPSS has provided disposal instructions for owners who still have the recalled product. According to the government safety notice, undamaged items should be placed in a heavy-duty plastic bag, securely sealed with double tape, clearly labelled and stored somewhere away from children.
If the product is damaged and the filling is accessible, owners have been advised to clean areas where the sand may have been used with wet cloths to reduce the risk of creating dust. The guidance also recommends wearing gloves and a mask, then double-bagging the filling, protective equipment and cleaning materials. The safety notice also states that children and other people should be kept away from areas where the sand has been used until cleaning has been completed.
The recall follows concerns over asbestos contamination in consumer products, with the OPSS reminding consumers that asbestos is banned because of its potential impact on health. The agency has listed the recall under case number 2609-0108, with Local Authority Trading Standards identified as the lead authority.
Smyths Toys has stopped selling the product and has directed customers with questions to contact the company’s customer service team. The affected item remains identified by model number 233254 as the company continues the recall process.
