Smyths Toys recall wooden toy over 'asbestos risk'

Smyths Toys are urgently recalling a wooden toy they were selling - as it may contain asbestos. An urgent recall has been issued for the Smyths Toys Wooden Cornhole Board with Bean Bags as it does not meet the requirements of the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011. It was found the sand inside the beanbags may be contaminated with a small quantity of asbestos.

Asbestos is a banned substance because it poses a risk to health even at low levels of exposure. In light of this, the wooden toy has been recalled from customers 'as a precaution' and Smyths Toys have stopped selling it. Anyone who bought the product is being urged to 'stop using it immediately' and return it to their local Smyths store for a full refund.

The affected product number is 233254 for the poplar wood board with six colourful toss bags in red, and blue and white stripes.

A Smyths Toys spokesperson said: "Testing has shown the sand-like material inside the toss bags may contain trace levels of asbestos. The overall risk is low, however the manufacturer is recalling the affected items as a precaution.

"Customers should stop using the recalled product immediately and keep it out of reach of children. Please return the article to your local Smyths Toys Superstores for a full refund. You can find your nearest store at www.smythstoys.com/store-finder. If you've any further queries regarding this notice, please contact [email protected]."

An Office for Product Safety & Standards spokesperson said: "This product presents a risk to health as the sand inside the bags may be contaminated with a small quantity of asbestos. Asbestos is a banned substance because it poses a risk to health even at low levels of exposure.

"The product doesn't meet the requirements of the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011. The product has been withdrawn from the market and recalled from end users by Smyths Toys. We recommend owners stop using the product immediately."