Product recallOPSS
Smyths Toys Dig Products recalled over harmful chemicals
Product Recall for seven Smyths Toys Dig Products containing sand, presenting a risk to health.
Product image from the OPSS safety notice 
What to do now
Smyths Toys Dig Products contains a chemical that is restricted or banned in products like this.
- Take it away from children now and stop using it.
- Wash your hands after handling it.
- Use the contact details in the official notice to arrange a refund, repair or replacement.
- 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
In a recall, the business responsible arranges the remedy, which may be a refund, a repair, a replacement or a free part. The notice says which one applies.
Your rights under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 also apply: goods must be safe, of satisfactory quality and as described. Within 30 days of purchase you can usually reject faulty goods for a full refund.
From the official notice
Published by the Office for Product Safety and Standards (2603-0225). Quoted as issued.
Summary
Product Recall for seven Smyths Toys Dig Products containing sand, presenting a risk to health.
The risk
The product presents a risk to health as the sand-like material inside the toy 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 recalled from end users by Smyths Toys.
Advice to consumers
The product has been recalled from end users by Smyths Toys.
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.
Please access Smyths Toys website for more information: https://www.smythstoys.com/uk/en-gb/product-information
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.
Keep children and other people away from areas where the sand has been used until the area has been cleaned.
Return the product to your nearest Smyths Toys store for a full refund. You do not need to provide the receipt.
If you are unable to return the product to your nearest Smyths Toys store, follow the steps above and contact your local authority / access their website for guidance on safe disposal of asbestos in your area.
For further information, please contact Smyths Toys or visit the OPSS page on asbestos in consumer products .
Additional information
Product description
Archaeology and excavation kits.
Open the OPSS notice
Questions
Why has Smyths Toys Dig Products been recalled?
Smyths Toys Dig Products contains a chemical that is restricted or banned in products like this. 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?
In a recall, the business responsible arranges the remedy, which may be a refund, a repair, a replacement or a free part. The notice says which one applies. Your rights under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 also apply: goods must be safe, of satisfactory quality and as described. Within 30 days of purchase you can usually reject faulty goods for a full refund.
Where was Smyths Toys Dig Products sold?
The notice names Smyths Toys. Products bought elsewhere are covered too if they match the details listed.
