Two Crayola children's craft boxes have been recalled due to concerns that the sand included in the kits may contain asbestos, the UK government announced.
The Office for Product Safety and Standards warned that the Crayola Touchy Feely Craft Box and Crayola Discovery Craft Box pose "a risk to health as the sand may be contaminated with a small quantity of asbestos." Consumers are urged to stop using the products immediately and keep them away from children.
These recalls join a growing list of children's products pulled from shelves this year due to asbestos fears, a trend consumer group Which? called "deeply concerning." Asbestos is a banned substance because even low-level exposure is hazardous, the government noted.
The kits, made in China, were sold by major retailers including Argos, Asda, Sainsbury's, and The Works. The Works, in its recall notice, explained that "testing has shown that the sand inside some products may contain trace levels of asbestos" and that "as asbestos should not be present in any amount, we are recalling the affected items as a precaution."
The affected Discovery Craft Box units were sold between August 2025 and April 2026, while the Touchy Feely Craft Box (listed as Sensory Craft Box) was sold between March 2025 and April 2026. Asda is also recalling the Discovery Craft Box, and Hunter Price International Limited, the importer, is recalling both.
For safe disposal, the Office for Product Safety & Standards advises placing unopened sand in a heavy-duty plastic bag, double-taping it securely, and storing it away from children. If the sand has been used, cleaners should wear gloves and a mask, use wet cloths to avoid dust, and double-bag the sand, gloves, mask, and cloths. Children and others should be kept away from the area until it is fully cleaned.
Customers are advised to contact their retailer for a refund.
According to Which?, several dozen products have been recalled this year over asbestos risks, sold by retailers including John Lewis, Hobbycraft, Amazon, and eBay. Sue Davies, Which? head of consumer protection policy, stated: "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."
She called for manufacturers and retailers to improve their processes to ensure hazardous products "are identified and removed before being sold to consumers" and urged the Office for Product Safety and Standards to investigate whether toys containing asbestos are being sold on less-regulated online marketplaces.
Crayola has been contacted for comment.