Asbestos Risk Prompts Recall of Children’s Sand Products. What Parents and Retailers Need to Know
- Barry Money
- 5 hours ago
- 2 min read
Australia’s consumer watchdog, the ACCC, has issued an urgent warning to parents and educators following the recall of several children’s sand products that may contain asbestos. The products were sold at major retailers including Officeworks, Educating Kids, Modern Teaching Aids, and Zart Art.
The recall was issued by supplier Educational Colours, covering the following colourful play and educational sands:
Kadink Sand (1.3kg)
Educational Colours – Rainbow Sand (1.3kg)
Creatistics – Coloured Sand (1kg)
Laboratory testing detected traces of tremolite asbestos, a naturally occurring but prohibited substance in Australia. These products were sold nationally between 2020 and 2025.
Immediate Action for Consumers
The ACCC is urging all customers who have purchased these sand products to stop using them immediately.
“Customers should place the sand in a heavy-duty plastic bag, double tape it securely, and keep it out of reach of children,” said ACCC Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe. “We also advise using disposable gloves and a mask as a precaution.”
Consumers are strongly advised not to dispose of the sand in general waste bins, as asbestos waste must be handled by licensed disposal facilities.
For safe disposal guidance, refer to the Asbestos and Silica Safety and Eradication Agency website, which lists approved facilities in each state and territory.
Refund and Contact Information
Affected customers can contact recalls@educationalvantage.com for advice on refunds and safe disposal arrangements.
The ACCC has confirmed that Officeworks has removed the affected products from sale and is assisting with customer notifications. A voluntary recall has also been issued in New Zealand for the same products.
Legal Context: Why Asbestos Recalls Matter
Under Australian law, it is prohibited to import, supply, or handle asbestos-containing products except in very limited, authorised circumstances.
Work health, safety, and environmental laws across all jurisdictions strictly regulate asbestos management — requiring that any contaminated materials be disposed of safely at licensed facilities. Non-compliance can result in significant penalties for suppliers and importers.
The ACCC expects all suppliers to act quickly when a product risk is identified, following its Product Safety Recall Guidelines to protect consumers and remove unsafe goods from the market.
How Bane Legal Services Can Help
While Bane Legal Services is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice, our team specialises in connecting businesses with the right commercial lawyers particularly those experienced in consumer law compliance, product recalls, and supplier obligations under the Australian Consumer Law.
With over 30 years of business experience, we help clients navigate complex legal landscapes with the right expertise fast.
If you’re a supplier, retailer, or importer seeking legal guidance on your recall obligations, compliance risks, or product liability exposure, Bane Legal Services can match you with a qualified lawyer who understands your industry.
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