Popular toys urgently recalled over ‘serious’ health risk

Another popular toy range has been urgently recalled due to a potential asbestos risk. A number of toys have been removed from sale in recent weeks amid contamination concerns.

Now, ORB Funkee Sand Toys have been recalled due to a health hazard. The toys pose a health risk as the sand included in the set may be contaminated with asbestos. Consequently, the toys have been withdrawn from the market and recalled from consumers.

They are described as stretchy sand-filled toys and were sold at The Entertainer, Tesco, Matalan, Hobbycraft and British Garden Centres.

The toys were sold both online and in-store between July 2025 and February 2026. The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) 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 health risk even at low levels of exposure. The product does not meet the requirements of the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011.”

It added: “We recommend owners stop using this product immediately and keep it out of the reach of children. For further information, please contact The Entertainer via ProductRecall@theentertainer.com or +44 808 501 3005 (free-phone).”

Anyone in possession of the toys must cease using them immediately and follow disposal advice.

The OPSS said: “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.”

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It added: “Keep children and other people away from areas where the sand has been used until the area has been cleaned.

“Dispose of the product in your general household waste, or return to store where specified by the retailer, who will provide a full refund.”

The Entertainer has requested that items should not be returned to its shops; please contact them for a refund.

This follows Stretcherz Toys recalling numerous products sold at Aldi, Argos, Asda, B&M, The Entertainer, Early Learning Centre, Home Bargains, Morrisons, Poundland, Primark, Smyths Toys, Tesco, TK Maxx/Homesense and The Works.

Additional recalls include Colour Day’s Sand Art activity kit sold on Amazon and eBay, alongside Addo Play Limited’s Out To Impress Sand Art Creations from The Entertainer, Tesco, Matalan and M&S stores.

ORB Funkee Sand Toys recall

• Glow-in-the-dark Jumbo Monkey – Product code: 17741
• Funkee Small Axolotl – Product code: 17459
• Funkee Monkee Mega – Product code: 41929
• Galaxy Jumbo Monkey – Product code: 17736
• Gold Jumbo Monkey – Product code: 17451
• Funkee Small Dogs – Product code: 42228
• Funkee Jumbo Dog – Product code: 17409