PRESS RELEASE BY THE MALTA COMPETITION AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS AUTHORITY

The Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority (MCCAA) would like to inform the public about the dangers associated with toys and similar products containing kinetic sand or decorative sand.

Asbestos has been identified in a number of such products recalled in overseas markets, including Australia and the European Union. Exposure to asbestos is associated with significant long-term respiratory illnesses, and even minimal exposure may pose health risks.

The MCCAA informs that the following seven products have been found available on the Maltese market and measures have been taken to ensure that these products are removed with immediate effect.

1. HTI Toys – Stretcherz Stretch Squad (12 astd)

Item Number: 1376624

Barcode: 5050837662419

2. HTI Toys – Stretcherz Slammerz 4 Pack

Item Number: 1350110

Barcode: 5050835011042

3. HTI Toys – Stretcherz Stretch Squad Toys Assorted Figures 4 Pack

Date Code: 090625

Barcode: 5050837662952

SKU: 6018550

4. Addo Play Ltd – Out to Impress Sand Art Creations

Item code: 318-19149-B

5. Addo Play Ltd – Out to Impress Creative Candles

Item code: 318-19180-B

6. Addo Play Ltd – Paw Patrol Sand Art Pictures

Item code: 320-14142-N

Paw Patrol Bumper Craft Collection

Item code: 320-14145-N

7. Orb Funkee Sand Toys

Item code: 17741, 17736, 17451, 17459,42228,17409,41929

Consumers who may have purchased any of the above-mentioned products are urged to immediately stop using them and to follow the steps below. If the sand is still in its original packaging, place the product in a heavy-duty plastic bag, seal it tightly, label it clearly, and return it to the retailer from where it was purchased. If the sand has already been used or removed from its original packaging, consumers should wear disposable gloves and a mask before handling the product. The sand, together with any used gloves, mask, and cleaning cloths, should be placed in a double plastic bag, sealed tightly, and labelled. The affected surface should be cleaned using wet cloths, to avoid generating dust, and hands are to be washed thoroughly after handling. Retailers are obliged to redress consumers.

Although from preliminary investigations, the other products listed hereunder were not found available on the Maltese market, for the purpose of broader public awareness and as a precautionary measure, the MCCAA is also drawing the public's attention to such products. These products may nonetheless be accessible to consumers in Malta through online platforms and the Authority is therefore urging the public to exercise caution. Consumers are advised to check if they have any of these products that match the description and the barcode/model/serial number found in the links made publicly available and listed hereunder:

8. HTI Toys – Stretcherz Stretch Squad Dinosaur Figures - https://www.productsafety.gov.au/search-consumer-product-recalls/hti-toys-stretcherz-stretch-squad-dinosaur-figures
9. Kadink Decorative Sand 10g – 6 Pack - https://www.productsafety.gov.au/search-consumer-product-recalls/kadink-decorative-sand-10g-6-pack
10. Sax International Pty Ltd – MIKI Sand Art Set -   MIKI Sand Art Set | ACCC Product Safety
11. CleverPatch – Various Coloured Sand / Glitter Sand / Sand Art Kits - https://www.productsafety.gov.au/search-consumer-product-recalls/cleverpatch-various-coloured-sand-glitter-sand-sand-art-kits-and-halloween-sand-art-kit
12. Sand Art Activity Kit – sold on crazysales.com.au - Sand Art Activity Kit - sold on crazysales.com.au | ACCC Product Safety
13. Montessori Sand Tray Writing Activity Set - Montessori Sand Tray Writing Activity Set | ACCC Product Safety
14. Gem's Wedding Supplies – Coloured Decorative Sand Products - https://www.productsafety.gov.au/system/files/recall/Recall%20Advertisement_264.pdf
15. Shein Distribution Australia Pty Ltd – Multi-Colour / Multi-Size Ultra-Fine Quartz Sand 80–120 Mesh for play and various art/decor applications - Multi-Colour/Multi-Size Ultra-Fine Quartz Sand 80-120 Mesh for play and various art and décor applications | ACCC Product Safety
16. Toymate – Scoop and Play Ice Cream Sensory Bin and Scoop and Play Dino Discovery Sensory Bin - Wonder Co – Scoop & Play Ice cream sensory bin and Scoop & Play Dino discovery sensory bin | ACCC Product Safety
17. Kmart Australia Ltd – Make Your Own Unicorn Sand Ornament - Make Your Own Unicorn Sand Ornament | ACCC Product Safety
18. HL Toys International – Sensory Activity Sets – PAW Patrol, Bluey and Frozen 2 - Sensory Activity Sets – PAW Patrol, Bluey & Frozen 2 - Sold at Kmart | ACCC Product Safety
19. Kidsplay Crafts – Coloured Sand and Sand Art Party Packs - Various coloured sand and sand art party packs | ACCC Product Safety
20. Modern Brands Pty Ltd – Melissa and Doug – Sand Art Bottle - Melissa & Doug - Sand Art Bottle | ACCC Product Safety
21. Modern Brands – Galt – Mini Makes – Sand Stickers - Galt - Mini Makes - Sand Stickers | ACCC Product Safety
22. Educational Colours – Rainbow Sand (1.3 kg), Creatistics – Coloured Sand (1 kg), Kadink – Coloured Decorative Sand (1.3 kg) and Kadink – Cotton Sensory Sand (700 g) - Educational Colours - Rainbow Sand (1.3kg), Creatistics - Coloured Sand (1kg), Kadink - Coloured Decorative Sand (1.3kg) and Kadink - Cotton Sensory Sand (700g) | ACCC Product Safety
23. AliExpress – Wooden Qiyi – Work Pad - AliExpress Leksak Sandritbräda - Farliga produkter
24. HTI – STRETCHERZ- https://www.htigroup.co.uk/portfolio-item/recall-information/
    
    

The MCCAA will continue to carry out market surveillance activities to monitor the safety of products available on the Maltese market and to take the necessary measures to protect consumers.

Consumers are always reminded to check the Safety Gate platform before purchasing products, in order to verify whether a product they are about to purchase has been listed as dangerous:

https://ec.europa.eu/safety-gate-alerts/screen/webReport.

For queries relating to the products being recalled kindly get in touch with the Market Surveillance Directorate on marketsurveillance@mccaa.org.mt.

For queries relating to the remedies available to consumers who have purchased the recalled products, kindly get in touch with the Office for Consumer Affairs on consumer.rights@mccaa.org.mt.