Crayola Withdraws Two Craft Boxes Over Possible Asbestos Contamination
Two children's craft boxes from Crayola have been withdrawn from sale and a recall initiated over concerns that sand included in the kits may contain asbestos.
The government's Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has instructed owners of the Crayola Touchy Feely Craft Box and Crayola Discovery Craft Box to cease using the products immediately, ensuring they are kept out of reach of children. The OPSS stated the kits present "a risk to health as the sand may be contaminated with a small quantity of asbestos."
This incident adds to a series of children's products recalled this year due to asbestos contamination, a trend consumer advocacy group Which? described as "worrying." Asbestos is a prohibited substance within the UK, recognised for its health hazards even at minimal exposure levels.
The affected Crayola kits, manufactured in China, were distributed by major retailers including Argos, Asda, Sainsbury's, and The Works. The Works, in its recall notice, confirmed testing revealed "trace levels of asbestos" and initiated a precautionary recall for Discovery Craft Box items sold between August 2025 and April 2026, and Touchy Feely Craft Box items (listed as Sensory Craft Box) sold from March 2025 to April 2026.
The OPSS has provided specific guidance for handling the contaminated sand: if still packaged, it should be placed in a heavy-duty plastic bag, securely double-taped, and stored away from children. For areas where the sand has been used, individuals should wear gloves and a mask, clean with wet cloths to minimise dust, and double-bag all materials used for cleaning. Customers are directed to contact their retailer for a refund.
Sue Davies, Head of Consumer Protection Policy at Which?, expressed profound concern, questioning the efficacy of existing product safety checks. She urged manufacturers and retailers to enhance their processes to prevent hazardous products from reaching consumers, and called for the OPSS to investigate the sale of asbestos-containing toys on online marketplaces, which often operate with less stringent regulation.
