Several toys recalled because they contain asbestos

Several toys are being recalled after being found to contain asbestos, a material linked to significant long-term respiratory illnesses.

The Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority, on Friday, alerted the public through a statement about dangers associated with toys and other products containing kinetic sand or decorative sand.

The products are being recalled in the EU and Australia, among others, as exposure to asbestos is associated with significant long-term respiratory illnesses, and even minimal exposure may pose health risks.

The following seven products have been found available on the Maltese market, and measures have been taken to ensure they are removed with immediate effect.

HTI Toys – Stretcherz Stretch Squad (12 astd)

Item Number: 1376624

Barcode: 5050837662419

HTI Toys – Stretcherz Slammerz 4 Pack

Item Number: 1350110

Barcode: 5050835011042

HTI Toys – Stretcherz Stretch Squad Toys Assorted Figures 4 Pack

Date Code: 090625

Barcode: 5050837662952

SKU: 6018550  

Addo Play Ltd – Out to Impress Sand Art Creations

Item code: 318-19149-B

Addo Play Ltd – Out to Impress Creative Candles 

Item code: 318-19180-B

Addo Play Ltd – Paw Patrol Sand Art Pictures 

Item code: 320-14142-N

Paw Patrol Bumper Craft Collection

Item code: 320-14145-N

Orb Funkee Sand Toys 

Item code: 17741, 17736, 17451, 17459,42228,17409,41929

What to do:

MCCAA urged consumers who may have purchased any of these products to immediately stop using them and follow these steps:

If the sand is still in its original packaging, place the product in a heavy-duty plastic bag, seal it tightly, label it clearly, and return it to the retailer from where it was purchased.

If the sand has already been used or removed from its original packaging, consumers should wear disposable gloves and a mask before handling the product.

The sand, together with any used gloves, mask, and cleaning cloths, should be placed in a double plastic bag, sealed tightly, and labelled.

The affected surface should be cleaned using wet cloths to avoid generating dust, and hands are to be washed thoroughly after handling.

Retailers are obliged to redress consumers.

Other products found abroad that also have asbestos:

Although from preliminary investigations, the following products were not found available on the Maltese market, they could still be accessible to consumers in Malta through online platforms.

The MCCAA is therefore urging the public to exercise caution.

Consumers are advised to check if they have any of these products that match the following description and the barcode/model/serial number:

HTI Toys – Stretcherz Stretch Squad Dinosaur Figures

Kadink Decorative Sand 10g – 6 Pack

Sax International Pty Ltd – MIKI Sand Art Set

CleverPatch – Various Coloured Sand / Glitter Sand / Sand Art Kits 

Sand Art Activity Kit – sold on crazysales.com.au 

Montessori Sand Tray Writing Activity Set - Montessori Sand Tray Writing Activity Set | ACCC Product Safety

Gem’s Wedding Supplies – Coloured Decorative Sand Products - https://www.productsafety.gov.au/system/files/recall/Recall%20Advertisement_264.pdf

Shein Distribution Australia Pty Ltd – Multi-Colour / Multi-Size Ultra-Fine Quartz Sand 80–120 Mesh for play and various art/decor applications - Multi-Colour/Multi-Size Ultra-Fine Quartz Sand 80-120 Mesh for play and various art and décor applications | ACCC Product Safety

Toymate – Scoop and Play Ice Cream Sensory Bin and Scoop and Play Dino Discovery Sensory Bin - Wonder Co – Scoop & Play Ice cream sensory bin and Scoop & Play Dino discovery sensory bin | ACCC Product Safety

Kmart Australia Ltd – Make Your Own Unicorn Sand Ornament - Make Your Own Unicorn Sand Ornament | ACCC Product Safety

HL Toys International – Sensory Activity Sets – PAW Patrol, Bluey and Frozen 2 - Sensory Activity Sets – PAW Patrol, Bluey & Frozen 2 - Sold at Kmart | ACCC Product Safety

Kidsplay Crafts – Coloured Sand and Sand Art Party Packs - Various coloured sand and sand art party packs | ACCC Product Safety

Modern Brands Pty Ltd – Melissa and Doug – Sand Art Bottle - Melissa & Doug - Sand Art Bottle | ACCC Product Safety

Modern Brands – Galt – Mini Makes – Sand Stickers - Galt - Mini Makes - Sand Stickers | ACCC Product Safety

Educational Colours – Rainbow Sand (1.3 kg), Creatistics – Coloured Sand (1 kg), Kadink – Coloured Decorative Sand (1.3 kg) and Kadink – Cotton Sensory Sand (700 g) - Educational Colours - Rainbow Sand (1.3kg), Creatistics - Coloured Sand (1kg), Kadink - Coloured Decorative Sand (1.3kg) and Kadink - Cotton Sensory Sand (700g) | ACCC Product Safety

AliExpress – Wooden Qiyi – Work Pad - AliExpress Leksak Sandritbräda - Farliga produkter

HTI – STRETCHERZ- https://www.htigroup.co.uk/portfolio-item/recall-information/

The MCCAA said it will continue to carry out market surveillance activities to monitor the safety of products available on the Maltese market and to take the necessary measures to protect consumers.

Consumers are always reminded to check the Safety Gate platform before purchasing products, to verify whether a product they are about to purchase has been listed as dangerous.

More information here.

More information on marketsurveillance@mccaa.org.mt and consumer.rights@mccaa.org.mt