The retailer has advised parents that children should “immediately” stop using the products
The affected products include dinosaur models, dinosaur eggs, gemstones, coins and other pirate‑themed treasures, all of which are encased in sand and designed to be excavated using the small hammers and brushes provided.
Smyths Toys recall dig products
Today’s News in 90 Seconds – Tuesday, March 24
The products are the Dino Dig Sensory Bin, the Gold Dig It Kit, the 10-piece Dig It Out Dinosaur Eggs kit, the Dig It Up Pirates Treasure Set, the Gem Dig Kit 8 Pack, the Pocket Play Gold Treasure Chest Dig It kit and the Gem Dig Kit 12 Gem Pack.
The retailer has asked consumers to stop using the products “immediately” and to keep them out of the reach of children.
“Testing has shown that the material inside some products may contain trace levels of asbestos,” the recall notice said.
“The overall risk is low, however Smyths Toys is recalling the affected items as a precaution.”
The store said parents can return the product to their nearest Smyths Toys store for a full refund free of charge.
Earlier this month, Tesco also issued product recalls of sand-based products due to trace levels of asbestos sold by Ireland and UK stores.
The recall, echoed by Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC), was in relation to four toys manufactured by Addo Play LTD: Out To Impress Sand Art Kit, Out To Impress Creative Candles Craft Set, Paw Patrol Sand Art Pictures item code, Paw Patrol Bumper Craft.
Three toys manufactured by ORB Funkee were also recalled.
These were: Animalz Mega Puppies, Funkee Animalz Axolotl and Funkee Monkeez.
The CCPC has also issued recalls for the Kids Create Sand Art Kit manufactured by the IG Design Group UK Limited and multiple sand toys sold on Amazon.
The watchdog has advised consumers to clean sites where the product was used using wet cloths to avoid generating dust.
It said: “Wear gloves and a protective mask. Double bag the sand, gloves, mask and cloths. Seal it securely, label it clearly and store it in a secure location out of reach of children. Contact your local authority for advice on collection and disposal.
“Keep children and other people away from areas where the sand has been used until the area has been cleaned.”
In the event the sand is still packaged, it said to “place it in a heavy-duty plastic bag, seal it securely, label it clearly and store it in a secure location out of reach of children.”
For more information, such as product or model numbers, see ccpc.ie, tesco.ie and smythstoys.com.