Squishy toys and asbestos: what families need to know
Seven sand-filled sensory toy lines were recalled on 21 July 2026 because their filling may be contaminated with a small quantity of asbestos. They join a growing list of 2026 recalls involving stretchy toys, sensory products and craft kits.
Published 22 July 2026 · FOLO-UP consumer safety briefing
The latest recalled toys
The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) published seven related sensory-toy recalls on 21 July. The toys were withdrawn from the market and recalled from end users by PMS International. Each notice says the sand inside may be contaminated with a small quantity of asbestos.
Select a product name to open its FOLO-UP recall record. Each record retains the original OPSS alert and PDF links for official verification.
| Recalled product | OPSS reference | Model | Barcode |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wizz Toys Dino Sand Stretchy Racers | 2607-0179 | 543525 | 5050565787590 |
| Wizz Toys Jumbo Mr Splat Stretch Men | 2607-0181 | 549230 | 5050565851444 |
| Wizz Toys Squishy Sand Yeti Monsters | 2607-0183 | 549247 | 5050565856937 |
| Wizz Toys Squishy Puppies | 2607-0184 | 549255 | 5050565860125 |
| Wizz Toys Squishy Sausage Dog | 2607-0186 | 549303 | 5050565898753 |
| Haunted House Jumbos and Filled Critters | 2607-0185 | 970011 | 5050565791726 |
| Wizz Toys Nana Banana Stress Toy | 2607-0009 | NAN010 | 5050565932082 |
A related decorative product, Wizz Toys Wishing Bottles (model 779029, barcode 5050565779465), was also recalled on 21 July because its coloured sand may be contaminated with asbestos.
How worried should families be?
The government applies zero tolerance to asbestos in consumer products, so any affected product must be recalled. That policy does not mean every past contact creates an immediate danger.
An intact product is less concerning because the filling is contained. The potential risk increases if a toy is split, cut or heavily damaged and fibres in the sand become airborne and are breathed in. The safest response is therefore to stop using an affected product, avoid disturbing its filling and follow the recall instructions.
The joint government statement also confirms that no play-pit sand is currently subject to recall. The notices concern named consumer products, not every squishy toy or every type of play sand.
Why this is bigger than one batch
The July notices are part of a much wider 2026 sequence. Previous recalls have covered HTI Stretcherz toys sold through national retailers, ORB Funkee sand-filled toys, Sand-Filled Weirdo toys sold through Amazon, Tickit Sensory Blocks and several sand-art and science kits.
On 20 July, the government told businesses not to rely on final-product testing alone. Suppliers must understand and control the risk throughout the supply chain, keep evidence that sand-containing toys are free from asbestos and stop supply where that assurance cannot be demonstrated.
Detecting very fine asbestos fibres at low concentrations requires suitable sampling and sensitive techniques. OPSS recommends electron-microscopy methods for low-level detection and stresses that even testing is only one part of proper supply-chain assurance.
“Squishy” is a shape, not a single safety problem
Separate investigations show why buyers should check the exact product rather than assuming every soft or stretchy toy has the same hazard. Some recalled squishies contain sand; others contain gel, liquid or plasticised material.
Asbestos-contaminated sand
Found or suspected in named sand-filled toys and craft products. The concern is breathing in fibres if the filling is disturbed.
Benzene
A recalled squeezy dumpling had 20mg/kg of benzene in its outer layer and was assessed as a serious chemical risk.
Restricted phthalates
A slime-filled doughnut was reported with 13.015% DEHP and DBP in its plasticised material, against a 0.1% maximum concentration.
Contaminated liquid
Squishy dinosaur and unicorn eggs were recalled after they could burst and release small parts and a solution containing excess aerobic microbials.
Trading Standards teams in Gloucestershire and Milton Keynes separately seized 1,968 and 711 unsafe squishies during 2026 inspections. Those seizures were broader than the asbestos recalls and included labelling, chemical and counterfeit concerns. Both councils also warned against a social-media trend encouraging children to microwave gel-filled toys, which can burst and cause burns.
Checks before buying another sensory toy
- Search the product name, model or barcode on the official product-safety database.
- Buy from a retailer that gives a real UK contact address and clear manufacturer or importer details.
- Look for UKCA or CE marking, age guidance and safety instructions—but remember a mark alone is not proof of safe contents.
- Avoid products with missing labels, vague seller identities, damaged seams or a strong chemical smell.
- Never heat, cut open or deliberately burst a gel-filled or sand-filled toy.