Asda issues urgent recall warning over toys ‘containing banned toxic substance’

Asda has issued an urgent warning to shoppers to immediately stop using one of its toys due to a serious health hazard. The supermarket has provided comprehensive guidance on safe disposal after asbestos was discovered in the products.

A selection of Stretcherz Stretch Squad Assortment and Slammerz Assortment Toys has been withdrawn. The products are described as small stretch toys containing a sand-like substance. The Stretch Squad Assortment toys bear the barcode 5050837662419 and were available from January 2024 to February 2026.

The Slammerz Assortment toys have the barcode 5050835105345, and were stocked from January 2025 to February 2026.

The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has published a recall notice in conjunction with Asda. It stated: “The product presents a risk to health as the sand may be contaminated with a small  quantity of asbestos.

“Asbestos is a banned substance because it poses a risk to health even at low levels of exposure. The product does not meet the requirements of the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011.”, reports the Mirror.

Consequently, the items have been removed from shelves and recalled by Asda. The OPSS warned that additional retailers may have stocked the toys and that further guidance will be issued shortly.

Asda stated: “While we have received no reports of harm, we are taking this action out of an abundance of caution and in line with our commitment to the highest standards of safety and quality.”

Anyone possessing the affected Stretcherz products has been urged to return the item to Asda for a full refund, though this must be carried out safely. The recall notice contained instructions for disposing of the toys.

Customers must cease using the toys “immediately”. The guidance stated: “If the sand is still in its packaging, place in a heavy-duty plastic bag, double tape it securely, label it clearly and store in a secure location out of the reach of children.

“If the sand has been used, clean up sites where the product was used using wet cloths to avoid generating dust. Wear gloves and a mask. Double bag the sand, gloves, mask and cloths.”

It continued: “Keep children and other people away from areas where the sand has been used until the area has been cleaned. Return the sand vials from the product to your nearest ASDA store for a full refund.

“If you are unable to get to an ASDA store, please follow the instructions above and dispose of the sand in your general household waste. Contact ASDA for a full refund.”

The supermarket stated: “We are very sorry for any inconvenience caused. If you would like any further information, please contact: Asda Customer Relations – 0330 053 0111.”

Customers may also contact sand. enquiries@htigroup. com or visit www.htigroup.co.uk/sandenquiry. No other Stretcherz toys are affected.