THE UK’s largest arts and crafts retailer has recalled a popular children’s item after traces of asbestos was found in numerous samples.
The shock immediate recall comes after an independent test found traces of asbestos in multiple units of a product previously sold by Hobbycraft.
The art supplies giant announced the immediate recall of the Giant Box of Craft today, in cooperation with the Trading Standards and the Office for Product Safety and Standards.
In a statement, Hobbycraft said “product safety is of the utmost importance”.
“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,” a spokesperson said.
“The product was removed from sale immediately after concerns were raised, and there is no evidence of any injury or harm to customers,” they said.
“This recall is being undertaken as a precaution, in line with regulatory guidance and our own commitment to product safety.”
Hobbycraft said the immediate recall was voluntary and done in coordination with the Trading Standards and the Office for Product Safety and Standards.
“Customers who purchased this product are advised to stop using it and keep it out of reach of children,” the spokesperson said.
The recall notice gave instructions on how to dispose of the toy set.
“If the sand has been used, clean up sites where the product was used using wet cloths to avoid generating dust,” the spokesperson said.
“Wear gloves and a mask. Double bag the sand, gloves, mask and cloths,” they added.
If the sand had not been opened, parents were told to use a heavy duty plastic bag, double tape it securely, label it clearly and store it in a secure location out of the reach of children.
