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UK product safety officials have expanded an ongoing recall after 13 additional products were found to contain traces of asbestos, prompting renewed warnings for consumers to stop using affected items immediately.
The latest recalls include novelty doorstops and children's stretchy toys that were sold through major retailers and online marketplaces. Authorities are urging anyone who owns the affected products to remove them from use, keep them away from children, and follow official disposal guidance.
The new additions bring the total number of asbestos-related toy and children's product recalls to 151 over the past seven months, highlighting growing concerns about contaminated imported consumer goods entering the UK market.
Among the newly recalled products are four novelty doorstops previously sold by The Original Factory Shop. The affected designs include:
According to product safety officials, the sand filling inside these decorative doorstops may contain small amounts of asbestos.
Because The Original Factory Shop permanently ceased trading after entering administration earlier this year, customers cannot return these products to stores. Instead, owners are advised to contact their local authority for guidance on safe disposal.
Authorities have also recalled nine sand-filled stretchy toys manufactured by Forever Shiny Limited.
The affected toys include:
The products were sold through Amazon and toy wholesaler Nico Toys Limited.
Officials say consumers should immediately stop allowing children to play with these toys while following the manufacturer's return instructions where available.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was once widely used in construction and manufacturing because of its heat resistance and durability.
However, scientific research has shown that inhaling asbestos fibres can cause serious illnesses, including:
The UK banned the import, sale and use of asbestos in 1999 due to the well-established health risks associated with exposure.
Although the amount detected in many recalled consumer products is believed to be small, authorities stress that any unnecessary exposure should be avoided.
Anyone who owns one of the recalled products should stop using it immediately.
If the item remains undamaged:
If the product has been damaged and the sand is exposed:
Consumers should never attempt to empty or dismantle affected products.
The latest recalls follow several similar incidents involving products sold by major UK retailers.
Previous recalls have included:
Retailers including Hobbycraft, Home Bargains, Dunelm, Smyths Toys, Addo Play, HTI Toys and several others have previously recalled products after testing detected asbestos contamination.
Many of the affected products originated from imported sand materials used during manufacturing.
The expanding number of recalls comes as the UK Government launches a nationwide Call for Evidence on toy safety.
The review aims to gather information from manufacturers, retailers, experts and consumers on a range of safety concerns, including chemically contaminated products.
The consultation is expected to remain open until October and could help shape future product safety regulations across the UK.
The latest recalled products include:
The wider recall programme has already affected numerous products sold across the UK, including:
Consumers who purchased children's toys, sensory products or sand-based craft kits in recent months are encouraged to check official recall notices to determine whether their items are affected.
Product recalls involving asbestos remain relatively uncommon, but authorities say swift action is essential whenever contamination is identified.
Parents and carers should regularly check product recall announcements, particularly for children's toys and craft items, as early action can reduce the risk of unnecessary exposure.
Anyone uncertain whether they own an affected product should compare item numbers, barcodes and product descriptions against official recall information before deciding on the appropriate next steps.
This article is based on publicly available product recall information issued by the UK Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS).
This article is a rewritten news summary created for informational and educational purposes. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or published on behalf of the original publisher. Product recall guidance may change over time. Consumers should always refer to the latest official notices from the UK Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS), manufacturers, retailers, or their local authority for the most up to date safety advice and disposal instructions.