A mass recall of children's toys is underway in several European countries over fears of asbestos contamination. The recall primarily concerns sand play sets sold by retail chains such as Action, Hema, and Woolworth, as well as on online platforms. Authorities are urging consumers not to use the products and to return them. Asbestos poses a serious health risk.

Contaminated Sand in Toys

The reason for the recalls is the suspicion that colored sand in creative play sets may have been contaminated with dangerous asbestos fibers.

Recalls Across Multiple Retailers

Products are being recalled from Action and Hema stores in France, from Woolworth in Germany, and from Amazon and eBay in the United Kingdom.

Appeal for Return and Non-Use

Product safety authorities and the companies themselves are urging consumers not to use the purchased sets and to return them to the stores.

Multiple Countries and Products Affected

The situation concerns several countries and different products simultaneously, indicating a potentially broader issue with the sand supply chain.

In recent days, a series of recalls for children's toys deemed potentially dangerous due to possible asbestos content have been announced in several European countries. In France, retail chains Action and Hema have recalled five sand and craft play sets sold nationwide and online. Simultaneously, the British Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) ordered the urgent recall of the "Sand Art Activity Kit" from Amazon and eBay platforms. In Germany, the Woolworth chain warned against using the "Stretcherz Stretch Squad Dinos" set. All the mentioned products share the suspicion that the colored sand they contain may have been contaminated with asbestos. Due to its fire-resistant and durable properties, asbestos was used extensively in construction and industry for much of the 20th century. It was not until the 1970s and 80s that its carcinogenic nature was conclusively proven. A total ban on asbestos use came into force in the European Union in 2005, but it remains a problem in the form of so-called legacy asbestos, present in older buildings. The Italian news agency ANSA reported that the recalled "Sabbia colorata" (colored sand) set was sold, among others, by the Action store chain. The company informed that the issue was detected by the supplier and all products were immediately removed from sale.