smyths toys recall: Smyths Toys has issued a recall for a range of “Dig” play kits after trace levels of asbestos were detected in sand blocks used to hide gem stones, pirates’ treasure and dinosaur eggs. The recall, announced today, covers seven products sold in stores across Ireland and is being carried out as a precaution. Smyths and the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission stress the overall risk is low but urge consumers to stop using the products immediately.
Smyths Toys Recall: What products are affected
The recall covers seven Dig-branded items sold as blocks of sand with excavation tools to dig out buried toys. The affected products are listed as:
- Dino Dig Sensory Bin
- Gold Dig It Kit
- 10 piece Dig It Out Dinosaur Eggs kit
- Dig It Up Pirates Treasure Set
- Gem Dig Kit 8 Pack
- Pocket Play Gold Treasure Chest Dig It kit
- Gem Dig Kit 12 Gem Pack
Retailers have been instructed to remove the items from shelves and the recall notice tells owners to keep the products out of reach of children.
Health advice and agency response
The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) issued a recall notice noting a risk to health as the sand may contain asbestos. The CCPC said: “Asbestos refers to a group of naturally occurring minerals. It is a banned substance across the EU because it poses a risk to health. ” The commission added: “The asbestos may have entered the play sand as a natural occurring impurity due to its presence in the raw material from which the play sand was originally mined or processed. “
The CCPC has advised consumers who have the product in their home to stop using it immediately. If the sand is still packaged, place it in a heavy-duty plastic bag, seal it securely, label it and store it in a secure location out of reach of children, and contact your local authority for advice on collection and disposal. If the sand has been used, clean the sites with wet cloths to avoid generating dust and use gloves and a protective FFP2 face mask or equivalent for the cleaning process. The CCPC will continue to engage with health and environmental authorities for further updates.
Public reaction and what comes next
Parents have reacted with shock to the smyths toys recall, including one parent who said a child received a kit as a birthday present months earlier. Smyths has stressed the recall is precautionary and that the overall risk is low. The retailer also carried out a recall of a different product range last month after similar trace findings were identified.
Officials say consumers should follow the CCPC guidance on storage, cleaning and disposal while authorities investigate the contamination pathway. Further updates are expected from the CCPC and health and environmental agencies; in the meantime, anyone with the affected product should stop using it and follow disposal advice as local arrangements are confirmed for the smyths toys recall.
