Primark has issued an urgent recall of two Halloween gonk decorations over concerns they may be contaminated with asbestos. The two doorstep ornaments pose a potential health risk, as the sand contained within them may be tainted with a small amount of asbestos, according to the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS).
Affected products and health warning
The decorations — one featuring a pumpkin hat and the other a witch hat with grey hair — carry the model numbers 991174794 and 991179148 and the barcodes 212047125 and 212080261.
The OPSS stated: "The products present a risk to health as the sand sealed inside the gonks may be contaminated with a small quantity of asbestos. Asbestos is a banned substance because it poses a risk to health even at low levels of exposure. We recommend owners stop using the product immediately and keep out of the reach of children."
What customers should do
Shoppers who have purchased the items are advised to place the gonk inside a heavy-duty plastic bag if it remains undamaged, seal it securely with double tape, label it clearly, and store it somewhere safe and away from children.
Should the product be damaged and its filling exposed, owners are urged to wear gloves and a mask while cleaning the affected area using damp cloths to prevent dust from spreading. Both the item and any cleaning materials used should be double-bagged.
Refund and disposal guidance
Customers may return the product to their nearest Primark store for a full refund, with no receipt required. Anyone unable to return the product is advised to get in touch with their local authority for advice on how to safely dispose of asbestos.
The gonks are the most recent in a lengthy series of toys and other items to have been withdrawn from sale due to containing asbestos.
