Product recallOPSS
ORB Funkee Sand Toys recalled over harmful chemicals
Product Recall for ORB Funkee Sand Toys presenting a risk to health.
Product image from the OPSS safety notice 
What to do now
The problem with ORB Funkee Sand Toys is chemical: it contains something that should not be there at that level.
- Take it away from children now and stop using it.
- Wash your hands after handling it.
- Contact ORB Funkee or the shop you bought it from to arrange the remedy set out in the notice.
- If someone has been hurt or the product has failed, report it to Trading Standards through the Citizens Advice consumer service.
Why it matters. Limits on substances such as lead, cadmium, phthalates and formaldehyde exist because of their effects on health over time. Children are more exposed because they chew and handle products.
If someone has been hurt
Look out for
- skin redness, itching or a rash where it touched
Get help urgently
- if a child has chewed or swallowed part of it and is unwell, contact NHS 111 or your GP
This is general information based on NHS public guidance, not medical advice. In an emergency call 999. For urgent advice use NHS 111 (NHS 24 on 111 in Scotland) or, in Northern Ireland, your GP or out-of-hours service.
Refunds, repairs and replacements
Stop using the product first, then arrange the remedy. A recall applies to every affected unit, however long ago it was bought.
If the business does not respond, the Citizens Advice consumer helpline (0808 223 1133), Advice Direct Scotland (0808 164 6000) or Consumerline (0300 123 6262) can help.
From the official notice
Published by the Office for Product Safety and Standards (2603-0062). Quoted as issued.
Summary
Product Recall for ORB Funkee Sand Toys presenting a risk to health.
The risk
The product presents a risk to health as the sand may be contaminated with a small quantity of asbestos. Asbestos is a banned substance because it poses a risk to health even at low levels of exposure.
The product does not meet the requirements of the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011.
Action taken
The products have been withdrawn from the market and recalled from end users.
Advice to consumers
The products have been withdrawn from the market and recalled from end users by The Entertainer, Matalan, Hobbycraft, British Garden Centres and Tesco.
We recommend owners stop using this product immediately and keep it out of the reach of children. Follow the below instructions for details on disposal and return of the product.
For further information, please access the specific retailer websites below:
The Entertainer: https://www.thetoyshop.com/product-safety-notices
Matalan: https://www.matalan.co.uk/c/customer-services/product-recall-notice/
Hobbycraft https://www.hobbycraft.co.uk/product-recall.html#orb-funkee
British Garden Centres: https://www.britishgardencentres.com/product-recalls/
Tesco: https://www.tesco.com/zones/product-recall
Disposal instructions:
Stop using the product immediately.
If the sand is still in its packaging, place in a heavy-duty plastic bag, double tape it securely, label it clearly and store in a secure location out of the reach of children.
If the sand has been used, clean up sites where the product was used using wet cloths to avoid generating dust. Wear gloves and a mask. Double bag the sand, gloves, mask and cloths.
Product description
Range of stretchy sand-filled toys. These toys were sold through The Entertainer, Tesco, Matalan, Hobbycraft and British Garden Centres stores and websites between July 2025 and February 2026.
Open the OPSS notice
Questions
Why has ORB Funkee Sand Toys been recalled?
The problem with ORB Funkee Sand Toys is chemical: it contains something that should not be there at that level. Limits on substances such as lead, cadmium, phthalates and formaldehyde exist because of their effects on health over time. Children are more exposed because they chew and handle products.
How do I know if my product is affected?
The notice describes the affected product rather than listing codes. Compare the product name, pack size and where you bought it with the official notice.
What should I do now?
Take it away from children now and stop using it. Wash your hands after handling it.
Can I get a refund or a repair?
Stop using the product first, then arrange the remedy. A recall applies to every affected unit, however long ago it was bought. If the business does not respond, the Citizens Advice consumer helpline (0808 223 1133), Advice Direct Scotland (0808 164 6000) or Consumerline (0300 123 6262) can help.
Where was ORB Funkee Sand Toys sold?
The notice names Tesco, Hobbycraft. Products bought elsewhere are covered too if they match the details listed.
