Urgent ‘stop using’ warning as John Lewis and Hobbycraft recall toy

Sand from the craft kit may be contaminated with asbestos, which can cause cancer. The Galt Nature Craft Kit has become the latest children’s toy to be withdrawn from sale due to the risk. It has been removed from sale and recalled from customers. The craft kit was available from 2024 until April 2026 and has the barcode 5011979623997.

The toy is described as a nature craft kit in a green cardboard box containing various crafting materials. It includes 25g of yellow sand, wooden pieces, foam pieces, paints, paintbrush, string and white glue.

The product was stocked by retailers including John Lewis, Hobbycraft, Toy Master and Garden Centres. The OPSS said: “The product presents a risk to health as the yellow sand included 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.”

The OPSS has urged anyone with the toy to stop using it “immediately” and to keep it away from children. It has also provided guidance on how to dispose of the product.

“If the sand is still in its packaging, place it 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,” the OPSS said.

“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.”

Ensure children are kept away from any areas where the sand has been used until thoroughly cleaned. Place the item in your general household waste bin.

Alternatively, you may return it to the relevant retailer where specified. Should you require further guidance or assistance, get in touch with the retailer you purchased the toy.

This craft kit is just the latest in a series of children’s toys to be subject to recall notices. The HGL Stretchy Sand Monster Truck, Scrunchems Stretchies Sleepy Dino Toy and HGL Stretchy Sand Pig have all been withdrawn from sale this month.

Additionally, a recall has been issued for Stretcherz Toys, which have been stocked across a wide range of retailers including Aldi, Argos, Asda, BandM, Early Learning Centre, The Entertainer, Home Bargains, Matalan, Poundland, Primark, Smyths Toys, Tesco, TK Maxx/Homesense, and The Works.

Colour Day’s Sand Art activity kit has been withdrawn from Amazon and eBay due to an asbestos risk, while Addo Play Limited’s Out To Impress Sand Art Creations has been removed from sale at Early Learning Centre, The Entertainer, Tesco, Matalan and M&S shops.