The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has issued a nationwide recall for several colourful children’s sand products that may contain asbestos, after laboratory testing detected traces of the prohibited substance in some samples.

The recall, issued by supplier Educational Colours, affects products sold at major retailers including Officeworks, Educating Kids, Modern Teaching Aids and Zart Art. The affected products are marketed for children’s play and educational use under the names Kadink Sand (1.3kg), Educational Colours Rainbow Sand (1.3kg) and Creatistics Coloured Sand (1kg).

Testing revealed the possible presence of tremolite asbestos, a naturally occurring form of asbestos that is banned in Australia due to serious health risks. The products were sold nationwide between 2020 and 2025.

ACCC Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe said the regulator was working closely with retailers and suppliers to ensure the products were removed from sale and that customers are properly informed.

“We have engaged with Officeworks who is a major supplier of these products and they advised that the products have been removed from sale. We expect they will take all the necessary steps to alert their customers,” Ms Lowe said.

“We continue to engage with suppliers and expect all to provide appropriate support to consumers including responding to queries, and providing advice about arranging a refund.”

The ACCC is urging consumers who have purchased the sand to stop using it immediately. The agency recommends sealing the product in a heavy-duty plastic bag, double taping it securely and keeping it out of reach of children.

“When doing so, in an abundance of caution, customers should take precautions such as wearing disposable gloves and a mask,” Ms Lowe added.

Consumers are advised not to dispose of the sand in household rubbish. Guidance on how to safely dispose of asbestos materials, including approved facilities in each state and territory, can be found on the Asbestos and Silica Safety and Eradication Agency website.

The ACCC has said it will continue to monitor the situation and update the recall notice as new information becomes available.

A voluntary recall for the same products has also been issued in New Zealand.

Also this week, Children’s entertainment group The Wiggles has acknowledged that it likely breached Australian Consumer Law by selling Emma Bow headbands without the required safety warnings for products containing button batteries and the dangers these batteries can present.

The headbands were sold between June 2022 and March 2024.

“The Emma Bow was aimed for children’s use and was available at The Wiggles’ live concerts.  It was also sold by other suppliers on The Wiggles online store and through various physical retail stores,” said Ms Lowe.

“Without a warning on the product, parents may not have known it contained button batteries and not understood the severity of the risk.”

“If swallowed, a button battery can become stuck in a child’s throat and result in catastrophic injuries, and even death, in as little as two hours,” said Ms Lowe.

As part of its cooperation with the ACCC’s investigation, The Wiggles has agreed to create an episode of its podcast, Wiggle Talk – A Podcast for Parents, that will mention the recall of the Emma Bow headband and address safety concerns around button batteries and children’s toys to help raise awareness.