{"id":117040,"date":"2026-01-28T10:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-01-28T10:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/en.econostrum.info\/uk\/?p=117040"},"modified":"2026-01-29T12:24:03","modified_gmt":"2026-01-29T12:24:03","slug":"hidden-danger-in-sand-triggers-urgent-recall","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/en.econostrum.info\/uk\/hidden-danger-in-sand-triggers-urgent-recall\/","title":{"rendered":"Hidden Danger in Play Sand Triggers Urgent Recall at Top Craft Retailer"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Traces of asbestos have been discovered in several colours of sand from the Giant Box of Craft<\/em>, 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 The company has withdrawn the product from sale and urged customers to return it immediately and keep it away from children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Concerns about the presence of asbestos <\/strong>in children\u2019s arts and crafts materials have grown following a parent’s independent test results. Samples of sand from Hobbycraft\u2019s popular craft set were found to contain tremolite asbestos, a banned and potentially harmful substance, raising questions about product safety oversight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/strong>, 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Asbestos Identified in Coloured Sand Sold by Hobbycraft<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Independent laboratory tests commissioned by a UK parent identified fibrous tremolite asbestos in three of five colours<\/strong> (yellow, green and pink) contained in Hobbycraft\u2019s Giant Box of Craft<\/em>. According to a recall notice <\/a>from the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS), the affected sand \u201cmay be contaminated with a small quantity of asbestos<\/em>,\u201d which \u201cposes a risk to health even at low levels of exposure<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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 \u201cproduct safety is of the utmost importance<\/em>\u201d and that the move was \u201cin line with regulatory guidance,\u201d according to the statement issued by the company.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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 <\/strong>and labelled as asbestos-contaminated waste<\/strong>. Customers are encouraged to contact Hobbycraft for further information and disposal guidance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u26a0\ufe0f URGENT RECALL: Hobbycraft Giant Box of Craft
Hobbycraft is recalling a box of mixed craft supplies containing vials of coloured sand due to a potential health risk. The sand may be contaminated with a small amount of asbestos, that can be harmful even at low level of exposure pic.twitter.com\/rBGlWzRc7t<\/a><\/p>— Which? (@WhichUK) January 27, 2026<\/a><\/blockquote>