Danger asbestos

UK Retailer Recalls Products Due to Possible Asbestos Contamination

A recent product recall issued by Dunelm serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance when it comes to hazardous materials in consumer products.

On 7th May 2026, Dunelm issued multiple product recalls due to items presenting a risk to health. Dunelm have identified a safety and non-compliance issue with multiple doorstops. The sand sealed within the product may be contaminated with a small quantity of asbestos.

The retailer furnishes millions of homes, and stocks more than 50,000 products in over 180 UK-based stores, meaning this recall will affect a significant number of consumers throughout the UK.

As outlined in UKATA’s recent piece on asbestos risks in non-traditional products, contamination can arise where materials are sourced from regions with naturally occurring asbestos deposits or where quality control standards differ. While such incidents remain uncommon, they demonstrate why supply chain assurance, product traceability and proportionate risk management are essential.

The following products have been withdrawn from the market and recalled from end users by Dunelm:

Albert Dog Doorstop, Product Code 5054077316156, Article 30198710
Churchgate Swithland Doorstop, Product Code 5056851419299, Article 31000949
Cockapoo Doorstop, Product Code 5063003483060, Article 30891356
Cow Doorstop, Product Code 5063003880548, Article 30966707
Darcy Duck Doorstop, Product Code 5056851464251, Article 31011438
Elements Cord Ball Doorstop - Navy, Product Code 5063003483077, Article 30891357
Elements Cord Ball Doorstop - Ochre, Product Code 5063003483305, Article 30891370
Floral Jacquard Doorstop - Black, Product Code 5063003483053, Article 30891355
Floral Jacquard Doorstop - Natural, Product Code 5063003483022, Article 30891352
Fox Doorstop, Product Code 5054077316187, Article 30198713
Frog Doorstop, Product Code 5063003880296, Article 30966669
Geo Doorstop - Black, Product Code 5063003483268, Article 30891366
Geo Doorstop - Natural, Product Code 5063003483084, Article 30891358
Gilly the Giraffe Doorstop, Product Code 5056851419404, Article 31000940
Giraffe Doorstop, Product Code 5057722706111, Article 30725675
Hamish the Highland Cow Doorstop, Product Code 5057722706128, Article 30725676
Hare Doorstop, Product Code 5063003483213, Article 30891361
Hedgehog Doorstop, Product Code 5063003483091, Article 30891359
Honeycomb Doorstop, Product Code 5063003483046, Article 30891354
House Doorstop, Product Code 5063003880180, Article 30966712
Lenny the Labrador Doorstop, Product Code 5056851417301, Article 31000649
Llama Doorstop, Product Code 5057722038144, Article 30607179
Mushroom Doorstop, Product Code 5063003880197, Article 30966713
Owl Doorstop, Product Code 5063003880555, Article 30966708
Pear Shaped Doorstop, Product Code 5063003894712, Article 30968990
Pearl the Pig Doorstop, Product Code 5056851419367, Article 31000955
Pom Pom Doorstop - Grey, Product Code 5057722932497, Article 30767112

Dunelm have provided an apology on their website, advising customers to stop using the product immediately.

Where asbestos contamination is suspected, additional caution is essential. Improper handling may increase the risk of exposure, particularly if fibres become airborne. Following official guidance is key to ensuring risks are minimised.

UKATA fully supports proactive recall measures where potential contamination is identified. Prompt action helps protect the public and prevent unnecessary exposure.

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.

For more information on this product recall, please see Dunelm’s website, trading standards or HSE website.

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Published on Thursday 7th May 2026