Consumer authority recalls kinetic sand toys due to asbestos contamination

The Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority (MCCAA) has issued a public warning after identifying asbestos in toys and similar products containing kinetic or decorative sand.

Exposure to asbestos is associated with long-term respiratory illness, with even minimal exposure leading to health risks.

Seven products available in the Maltese market have been found to contain this mineral and are to be removed with immediate effect. The products are as listed below:

1. HTI Toys – Stretcherz Stretch Squad (12 astd)
2. HTI Toys – Stretcherz Slammerz 4 Pack
3. HTI Toys – Stretcherz Stretch Squad Toys Assorted Figures 4 Pack
4. Addo Play Ltd – Out to Impress Sand Art Creations
5. Addo Play Ltd – Out to Impress Creative Candles
6. Addo Play Ltd – Paw Patrol Sand Art Pictures
7. Orb Funkee Sand Toys

Consumers who have already purchased the above-mentioned products are urged to immediately halt usage.

If the sand is still in its original packaging, consumers are instructed to place the product in a heavy-duty plastic bag, seal it tightly, label it clearly, and return it to the retailer from where it was purchased.

If the sand has already been used or removed from its original packaging, consumers should wear disposable gloves and a mask before handling the product. The sand, together with any used gloves, mask, and cleaning cloths, should be placed in a double plastic bag, sealed tightly, and labelled.

Surfaces used should be cleaned using wet cloths, to avoid generating dust, and hands are to be washed thoroughly after handling.

Preliminary investigations indicated that the following products are not available in Maltese markets, but the MCCAA recognises that they may still be accessible to consumers in Malta trough online platforms and urges to excersise caution.

1. HTI Toys – Stretcherz Stretch Squad Dinosaur Figures
2. Kadink Decorative Sand 10g – 6 Pack
3. Sax International Pty Ltd – MIKI Sand Art Set
4. CleverPatch – Various Coloured Sand / Glitter Sand / Sand Art Kits
5. Sand Art Activity Kit – sold on crazysales.com.au
6. Montessori Sand Tray Writing Activity Set
7. Gem’s Wedding Supplies – Coloured Decorative Sand Products
8. Shein Distribution Australia Pty Ltd – Multi-Colour / Multi-Size Ultra-Fine Quartz Sand 80–120 Mesh for play and various art/decor applications
9. Toymate – Scoop and Play Ice Cream Sensory Bin and Scoop and Play Dino Discovery Sensory Bin
10. Kmart Australia Ltd – Make Your Own Unicorn Sand Ornament
11. HL Toys International – Sensory Activity Sets – PAW Patrol, Bluey and Frozen 2
12. Kidsplay Crafts – Coloured Sand and Sand Art Party Packs
13. Modern Brands Pty Ltd – Melissa and Doug – Sand Art Bottle
14. Modern Brands – Galt – Mini Makes – Sand Stickers
15. Educational Colours – Rainbow Sand (1.3 kg), Creatistics – Coloured Sand (1 kg), Kadink – Coloured Decorative Sand (1.3 kg) and Kadink – Cotton Sensory Sand (700 g)
16. AliExpress – Wooden Qiyi – Work Pad  
17. HTI – STRETCHERZ

The MCCAA will continue to carry out market surveillance activities to monitor the safety of the products available on the Maltese market and to take necessary measures.