Recalls in many shops in Germany after asbestos alert in sand toys

More products have been recalled from the market in Germany due to possible traces of asbestos in toys filled with sand.

Affected items include stretchable toy figures that were sold nationwide in many shops, the Lebensmittelwarnung consumer product website reported on Wednesday.

The recall includes the toy figure PUFFERZ Puffer-Figur Sand, the filling material of which may contain asbestos. Consumers should no longer use the items and return them.

If the product is damaged or tears, filling material could escape and pose a health risk when inhaled, the warning said.

The goods were distributed through branches of the Smyths Toys chain and may have been sold in numerous federal states.

Customers are advised by authorities to immediately keep the figures out of children's reach and not to use them further. Products with the barcode 8714627012316 can be returned to the stores. The purchase price will be refunded even without a receipt.

Other chains affected

The discount retailer Woolworth is also recalling two stretchable toy items: Jungle Expedition Super Stretch Gorilla and Brainboooom Super Stretch Predator.

According to the company, the sand used in the products may be contaminated with asbestos. The items have already been removed from all branches, the company announced. Customers are asked to return already purchased goods to the shops. The purchase price will be fully refunded, the company said.

Possible asbestos detected in toys recently

In recent days, several retail chains have already withdrawn toys filled with sand from sale as a precaution due to possible asbestos contamination.

Experts assess that asbestos can be present in fine fibres, which are harmful to health when inhaled. There is a risk, especially with damaged products. Consumers should not open or continue to play with affected toys. If sand has already been spread indoors, experts advise avoiding dust development and cleaning thoroughly.

It is unclear how many products are affected in total.