John Lewis has issued a recall notice for 15 products due to potential asbestos contamination. The affected items are doorstops and draught excluders sold between January 31, 2021 and June 11, 2026. The recall includes novelty doorstops shaped like a snowman, gingerbread man, and llama.
Health risk from asbestos
The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) stated: 'The products present a risk to health as the marble chips sealed within the doorstops and excluders may be contaminated with a small quantity of asbestos. Asbestos is a banned substance because it poses a health risk even at low levels of exposure. The products do not meet the requirements of the General Product Safety Regulations 2005.'
Asbestos can cause serious health problems, including lung damage and cancer. The material releases tiny fibres into the air, which, when inhaled, cause chronic inflammation of lung tissue. The number of products removed from UK shelves due to asbestos in the last six months has reached 166.
Full list of recalled products
- Draught Excluder Navy, product code 57090502
- Draught Excluder Grey, product code 57090506
- Draught Excluder Stripe, product code 57090509
- Duck Doorstop, product code 57090429
- Elephant Doorstop, product code 57090428
- Frog Doorstop, product code 57090427
- Patterned Navy Doorstop, product code 57090409
- Pig Doorstop, product code 57090421
- Sausage Dog Doorstop, product code 57090420
- Fusion Doorstop, product code 57090426
- Snowman Doorstop, product code 57090425
- Gingerbread Doorstop, product code 57090424
- Grey Stripe Doorstop, product code 57090423
- Felt Doorstop, product code 57090420
- Llama Doorstop, product codes 57090421, 57090415
What customers should do
Customers who have purchased the affected products must follow correct disposal guidance. For undamaged items, place them in a heavy-duty plastic bag, double-taped and clearly labelled, and keep away from children. For damaged items, use damp cloths to clean areas where filling is visible to prevent dust. Wear masks and gloves throughout, then discard them along with the item and any cloths used.
Customers can return items to any John Lewis branch for a full refund without a receipt. Those unable to reach a store should contact their local council for safe asbestos disposal advice. For more information, visit John Lewis's website or call 03456 049 049.
John Lewis stated: 'We're very sorry that it has been necessary to recall this product, and for the inconvenience caused.'
