Coloured sand recall: Popular children’s product sold at Officeworks pulled off shelves over asbestos fears
A popular children’s product has been pulled off shelves over fears it may contain asbestos.
The recall has been issued by the supplier, Educational Colours, for three products, which were sold throughout Australia at Officeworks, Educating Kids, Modern Teaching Aids and Zart Art between 2020 and 2025.
The products in question include Kadink Sand (1.3kg), Educational Colours - Rainbow Sand (1.3kg) and Creatistics - Coloured Sand (1kg).
Sign up to The Nightly's newsletters.
Get the first look at the digital newspaper, curated daily stories and breaking headlines delivered to your inbox.
By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.The Australian Competition and Consumer Corporation (ACCC) said the products were recalled after a laboratory test discovered that they may contain tremolite asbestos, a naturally occurring asbestos.
Asbestos is a prohibited substance in Australia.
“We have engaged with Officeworks who is a major supplier of these products and they advised that the products have been removed from sale. We expect they will take all the necessary steps to alert their customers,” ACCC Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe said in a statement.
“We urge customers who own any of the products to stop using them immediately and place the sand in a heavy-duty plastic bag and double tape it securely and keep it out of reach of children.
“When doing so, in an abundance of caution, customers should take precautions such as a wearing disposable gloves and a mask,” she warned.
Officeworks confirmed they have stopped the sale of the products and began a voluntary recall following the results of the first lab test.
However, it said it had obtained a second independent health and safety risk assessment, which found there was “no identifiable safety hazard”.
“Withdrawal from sale and voluntary recall of the products has been taken purely as a precautionary measure,” an Officeworks spokesperson said.
“In this regard, we have also commenced a voluntary recall of the Kadinksand product supplied by Shamrock Australia and will work with our suppliers to fully address the issue.”
Customers are being urged to visit The Asbestos and Silica Safety and Eradication Agency for more information on disposal.
