Crayola kits recalled over possible asbestos risk

Two children’s craft kits made by Crayola have been withdrawn from sale and recalled amid concerns that they may contain asbestos.

Both kits have been pulled from shelves after the Office for Product Safety and Standards said sand included in the kits may contain a small amount of asbestos.

Parents and carers who have purchased the Crayola Discovery Craft Box between August 2025 and April 2026, and the Crayola Touchy Feely Craft Box between March 2025 and April 2026, are being urged to keep them out of reach of children immediately.

The affected products, manufactured in China, were sold through several major UK retailers, including Argos, Asda, Sainsbury’s, and The Works.

The product is sold through several major UK retailers Supplied

The regulator is advising customers to follow recall guidance and contact the retailer from which the product was purchased for further instructions.

The Works, in its recall notice for both products, said: “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.”

The Office for Product Safety & Standards have advised that if the sand is still in its packaging, it should be placed in a heavy-duty plastic bag, double-taped securely and stored away.

Gloves and a mask should be worn to clean up sites where the sand was used, using wet cloths to avoid generating dust, and the sand, gloves, mask, and cloths should then be double-bagged.

It also says to “keep children and other people away from areas where the sand has been used until the area has been cleaned”.

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