Crayola Withdraws Two Craft Boxes Over Possible Asbestos Contamination, Government Issues Recall
Two Crayola craft boxes for children have been withdrawn, and a recall issued, following concerns that sand included in the kits may be contaminated with asbestos. Owners of the Crayola Touchy Feely Craft Box and Crayola Discovery Craft Box are advised to cease using the products immediately and keep them out of reach of children, according to government guidance.
The Office for Product Safety and Standards stated that the kits present “a risk to health as the sand may be contaminated with a small quantity of asbestos.” These products, manufactured in China, were sold by prominent retailers including Argos, Asda, Sainsbury's, and The Works.
The Works, in its recall notice for both items, acknowledged that “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.” This recall covers 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.
Asda and importer Hunter Price International Limited are also recalling the Discovery Craft Box. The Office for Product Safety & Standards has provided specific instructions for handling contaminated sand: if still in its packaging, it should be placed in a heavy-duty plastic bag, double taped securely, and stored away from children. For used sand, individuals should wear gloves and a mask, clean areas with wet cloths to minimise dust, and double bag all contaminated materials.
Consumers are urged to contact their original retailer for a refund. This marks another instance in a series of product recalls this year due to asbestos risks, prompting consumer group Which? to label it a “worrying trend.” Which?'s head of consumer protection policy, Sue Davies, has questioned the efficacy of current product safety checks before items reach the market.
