ACCC recalls sand stickers sold across Australia and online over asbestos fears

A children’s toy containing bags of coloured sand and animal stickers has been recalled by the consumer watchdog over fears the product contains asbestos.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) recalled Galt – Mini Makes – Sand Stickers which contains a kit with six animal-shaped stickers, four bags of coloured play sand and a guide.

Consumers were warned to stop using the product immediately because it may include asbestos, which is a prohibited substance in Australia.

“The product may cause a risk to health as chrysotile asbestos has been detected in some samples after laboratory testing,” the ACCC warning read.

“Importantly, respirable asbestos has not been detected in any of the tested samples.

“The release of respirable asbestos fibres from the sand is unlikely to occur in its current state, unless the sand is processed by mechanical means such as crushing or pulverising.

“While the risk that any asbestos found is likely to be airborne or fine enough for inhalation is low, this may still pose a risk.”

Consumers were told to dispose of the product safely and to contact their place of purchase to request a refund.

The product recall is the latest in a string of warnings about children’s coloured sand toys containing asbestos that saw dozens of schools closed across the nation last month.

SilverStarCrafts recalled products that contained pouches of coloured sand used for children’s craft at child-based facilities across the nation on Friday.

Sensory Activity Sets featuring Paw Patrol, Frozen 2 and Bluey licensed toys and children’s unicorn sand ornaments were recalled from Kmart and Target stores nationally after asbestos was identified during lab testing in the past two weeks.