🕐 Updated: 2026-05-01 23:00 UTC | A major consumer safety alert from the UK.

The UK’s Office for Product Safety and Standards announced on May 1 that two children’s craft kits from Crayola, the well-known children’s art supplies brand, have been urgently recalled over concerns that the sand included in the kits may be contaminated with asbestos. Consumers are urged to stop using the products immediately and keep them out of reach of children.

Affected Products

The recall covers two products:

• Crayola Discovery Craft Box: Sold between August 2025 and April 2026
• Crayola Touchy Feely Craft Box (listed as “Sensory Craft Box” at some retailers): Sold between March 2025 and April 2026

Both products were manufactured in China and sold through major UK retailers including Argos, Asda, Sainsbury’s, and The Works. The Works, in its recall notice for both products, stated: “Testing has shown that the sand inside some products may contain trace levels of asbestos. As asbestos should not be present in any amount, we are recalling the affected items as a precaution.”

Asbestos Risks and Safety Guidance

Asbestos is a strictly regulated carcinogen that poses health risks even at low exposure levels. The UK government has issued the following guidance:

• If the sand is still in its original packaging, it should be placed in a heavy-duty plastic bag, double-taped securely, and stored away from children
• When cleaning areas where the sand was used, wear gloves and a mask, and use wet cloths to avoid generating dust
• All cleaning materials (gloves, masks, cloths) should be double-bagged and disposed of properly
• Keep children and others away from areas where the sand was used until cleaning is complete

Customers are advised to contact the retailer they purchased from for a refund.

A Worrying Trend

Consumer organization Which? has described this as a “worrying trend.” Sue Davies, head of consumer protection policy at Which?, said: “It is deeply concerning that another children’s craft product, particularly from a major brand like Crayola, which is sold by big-name retailers, has been recalled due to potential asbestos contamination, continuing a worrying trend of recalls involving this deadly substance. This raises serious questions about the effectiveness of product safety checks before items reach shop shelves.”

According to Which?, several dozen products have been recalled so far this year due to asbestos contamination risk, affecting items sold by retailers including John Lewis, Hobbycraft, Amazon, and eBay. Davies emphasized that manufacturers and retailers must improve their processes to ensure hazardous products are identified and removed before being sold to consumers.

Regulatory Scrutiny Intensifies

The recall has renewed focus on the safety inspection regime for imported consumer goods. The Office for Product Safety and Standards said it is investigating whether toys containing asbestos are being sold on online marketplaces, which are subject to less stringent regulation.

Crayola has been contacted for comment. As a globally recognized brand in children’s art supplies and creative products, the impact of this recall on Crayola’s brand reputation will be closely watched.

Source: BBC, The Sun