Children’s play sand sold in the United Kingdom has been withdrawn from sale after independent testing revealed traces of asbestos fibres, prompting concern among parents and officials.

The product, part of a ‘Giant Box of Crafts’ kit sold by major retailer Hobbycraft, was pulled from shelves after a parent sent samples to an accredited laboratory, where several coloured sand bottles tested positive for tremolite asbestos, a known carcinogen linked to serious diseases when inhaled.

The affected colours included yellow, green and pink sand, and the discovery follows similar asbestos contamination incidents in Australia and New Zealand that led to widespread recalls of play sand and temporary school closures.

Hobbycraft said it had voluntarily removed the product as a precaution while further independent testing is carried out, but noted that no UK authority had yet issued a warning and that there was no confirmed evidence of harm to customers.

A government source said that the retailer should consider issuing a formal recall given the laboratory findings and mounting parental concern.

Asbestos is banned in the UK, and there is no safe level of exposure to the mineral.

The contaminated products were manufactured in China, where items containing less than five per cent asbestos can still be labelled as asbestos-free, a discrepancy that has drawn sharp attention from consumer advocates.

Health experts stress that asbestos becomes hazardous when its fibres become airborne and are inhaled, potentially leading to diseases such as mesothelioma decades after exposure.

Although the immediate risk to children who briefly played with the sand is believed to be low, authorities and safety campaigners have urged caution, robust product testing and clearer regulatory oversight of imported children’s goods.

The incident has reignited debate over product safety standards, enforcement mechanisms and the responsibilities of retailers and regulators to protect consumers from hazardous materials in everyday products.