More than 30 children's toys have been recalled in the UK after it was discovered that play sand sold by Hobbycraft was contaminated with asbestos. The recall follows an investigation by the Guardian, which revealed the contamination in January.
Products ranging from candle-making kits to stretchy rubber toys sold by retailers including Tesco, Primark, Matalan and M&S have been withdrawn. Asbestos, which can cause cancer if inhaled, is banned in the UK in any quantity. The affected toys are believed to contain sand from Chinese mines where asbestos fibres occur naturally and labelling rules are less strict.
After the Guardian's report, the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) issued an advisory note for traders on reliable testing methods. Labs have since reported a surge in testing requests from stores and manufacturers. Consumer group Which? called the recalls a serious failure in safety checks, urging the OPSS to ensure proper testing and examine online marketplaces where regulation is limited.
Traders have questioned the lab testing methods commonly used, as they failed to detect small asbestos quantities. Products certified safe were found contaminated when tested with more reliable methods. In November, contaminated play sand prompted recalls and school closures in Australia and New Zealand, but similar products remained on sale in the UK and Europe until the Guardian's exposé.
Campaigners criticised the UK government for not acting after the Australian recalls. Post-Brexit laws have removed government powers to ban products without scientific evidence, placing the onus on exporters and retailers to test goods. The government stated it is up to companies to ensure safety, while product safety minister Kate Dearden said new measures are being introduced to strengthen consumer protection.
