Hobbycraft Launches Urgent Recall of Children's Craft Product Following Asbestos Discovery
The craft retail giant Hobbycraft has issued an immediate and urgent recall for its Giant Box of Crafts product after independent laboratory tests confirmed the presence of asbestos fibres in the children's play sand included in the kit. This decisive action follows an alert from a concerned parent who discovered traces of the hazardous substance in the product.
Parent's Alert Triggers Safety Investigation
The recall was initiated after a vigilant parent, who wishes to remain anonymous, purchased the product from Hobbycraft and sent samples to an accredited testing laboratory. The parent had become suspicious after noticing similarities between the coloured sand bottles and products previously recalled in Australia due to asbestos concerns.
"The bottles of coloured sand looked extremely similar to ones I had seen on a news report of play sand recalled in Australia," the parent told The Guardian. "I was concerned enough to buy a set at Hobbycraft and send it to an accredited lab for testing. Three of the five colours came back positive for fibrous tremolite asbestos."
Immediate Product Removal and Recall Process
Hobbycraft initially removed the product from its shelves last week as a precautionary measure while awaiting test results. Following confirmation of asbestos contamination in what the company describes as a "limited number of samples," the decision was made to implement a full recall in coordination with regulatory authorities.
A Hobbycraft spokesperson stated: "In co-ordination with Trading Standards and the Office for Product Safety & Standards, we are voluntarily recalling the Giant Box of Craft with immediate effect. This recall is being undertaken as a precaution, in line with regulatory guidance and our own commitment to product safety."
Safety Instructions and Customer Guidance
The company has issued clear safety instructions for customers who have purchased the affected product:
- Immediately stop using the product
- Keep the product out of reach of children
- Follow safe handling and disposal procedures
- Contact Hobbycraft for refund information
"Full instructions on safe handling, disposal and refunds are available on our website, through our customer services team, and in stores," the spokesperson confirmed. "We are in the process of proactively contacting customers where we have their contact details."
Regulatory Involvement and Ongoing Monitoring
The recall comes after government sources indicated last week that Hobbycraft should take this action. The company has emphasised that while traces of asbestos have been identified, there is currently no evidence of any harm to customers from the contaminated product.
"Product safety is of the utmost importance to Hobbycraft," the company spokesperson emphasised. "Following independent testing of a children's sand product previously sold by Hobbycraft, traces of asbestos have been identified in a limited number of samples."
The incident highlights the importance of robust product safety testing and the crucial role that vigilant consumers can play in identifying potential hazards in children's products.
