Hobbycraft Product Recall Following Asbestos Contamination

UKATA is aware of the recent product recall issued by Hobbycraft concerning a number of craft kits and sand-based products found to contain trace levels of asbestos in some tested samples.

The affected items include:

• My Living World Worm Kit Hobbycraft product code: 5830641000
• Basing Sand (Moss Green and Atlantiko Blue) Hobbycraft product code: 6873931000
• Sand & Pom Pom Art Kit Product Number: 6669851000
• Easter Bumper Craft Kit Product Number: 6835991000
• Giant Box of Craft Product Numbers: 6686021000, 6505261000, 6099201000, 6597221000 & 6606171000.

These products have been withdrawn from sale and are subject to recall following confirmation of contamination in certain samples of sand components.

According to the recall information, the sand contained within specific kits may include trace quantities of asbestos.

Due to the risks to health following inhalation exposure to asbestos the importation of blue and brown asbestos has been banned in the UK since 1985. This ban was extended to include white asbestos in 1999. Although health effects are typically linked to prolonged or repeated exposure, asbestos should not be present in consumer products in any amount.

The recall has been issued in line with obligations under the General Product Safety Regulations 2005 and follows involvement from Local Authority Trading Standards and the Office for Product Safety and Standards. Customers who have purchased the affected items are advised to cease use, prevent further disturbance of the sand and follow the retailer’s guidance for safe handling, return or disposal. This includes avoiding the creation of dust and returning the relevant components to store for a refund where possible.

This recall sits alongside other recent incidents involving consumer products found to contain trace asbestos, including children’s toys sold by Asda where sand-like material was identified as potentially contaminated. While such cases remain uncommon, they reinforce an important point, although asbestos use is banned in the UK, contamination can still arise through raw material sourcing, particularly where products or components originate from regions with naturally occurring asbestos deposits or where quality control standards differ.

For schools, nurseries, childcare providers and community organisations, this recall serves as a timely reminder of the importance of supply chain assurance and product traceability. Purchasing from reputable and transparent suppliers, retaining purchase records and acting promptly on recall notices are all essential components of effective risk management. Staff should also be reminded not to attempt to test or disturb materials themselves and to escalate any concerns through appropriate management or regulatory channels.

This also reinforces the ongoing need for high-quality asbestos awareness and management training to ensure organisations are prepared for unexpected situations.

UKATA will continue to monitor developments and provide factual, proportionate guidance to members and the wider public. Maintaining awareness, without causing unnecessary alarm, remains central to effective asbestos risk management.

Please note that UKATA’s role is to audit and manage our training providers, and we’re unable to give advice on individual domestic situations; if you remain concerned, we would strongly recommend seeking guidance from a suitably qualified asbestos professional or your local authority.

UKATA, a leading association, is dedicated to enhancing the quality and standards of asbestos training with the aim to shield workers and the public from the hazards of asbestos exposure.

The association collaborates closely with its members to guarantee that they have access to the latest information, training resources, and industry updates. They provide a suite of support services to assist them in accomplishing their training objectives. Their membership encompasses a diverse array of organisations involved in asbestos training, including training providers, asbestos removal contractors, consultants, and equipment suppliers.

UKATA is fervent about promoting safe and responsible working practices, committed to working with members and partners to realise a shared vision of protecting workers and the public from the hazards linked with asbestos exposure.