John Lewis has issued an urgent recall for 15 popular door stops and draught excluders sold over a five-year period, citing a potential health risk from asbestos contamination. The retailer is advising customers to stop using the items immediately and return them for a full refund.
Products Affected and Sale Period
The recalled items were on sale from January 31, 2021, to June 11, 2026. The list includes draught excluders in Navy, Grey, and Stripe designs, as well as novelty door stops shaped like a Duck, Elephant, Frog, Pig, Sausage Dog, Snowman, Gingerbread Man, and Llama. Also recalled are Patterned Navy, Fusion, Grey Stripe, and Felt door stops. Each product has a specific product code.
Health Risk and Official Warning
The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) published the recall notice, stating: "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 exposure can cause lung damage and cancer. The OPSS added: "The products have been recalled from end users by John Lewis and Partners. We recommend owners stop using the products immediately and keep them out of reach of children."
Safe Disposal Instructions
Customers are advised to follow specific disposal guidance. If the product is undamaged, place it in a heavy-duty plastic bag, seal with double tape, label it, and store securely away from children. If damaged, clean any spilled filling with wet cloths, avoid creating dust, wear gloves and a mask, then double-bag the product along with the gloves, mask, and cloths.
Refund and Further Information
Return the product to any John Lewis store for a full refund. If unable to visit a store, contact your local authority for guidance on safe asbestos disposal. For more details, visit the John Lewis website or call 03456 049 049. John Lewis said: "We’re very sorry that it has been necessary to recall this product, and for the inconvenience caused."
Similar Recall by Dunelm
This recall follows a similar alert from Dunelm, which recalled 27 door stops and draught excluders sold between January 2019 and February 2026 due to asbestos risk in May 2026.
