The Warehouse has recalled some sand art products "as a precaution" over fresh concerns about asbestos.
In a statement, the retailer said it was recalling its Uniti Sand Art Unicorn (Barcode: 9401113491869), Octopus (Barcode: 9401097407276), Monkey (Barcode: 9401097407269), and Dinosaur (Barcode: 9401113420944).
The decision to recall was made voluntarily, and followed a result from the Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment showing "traces" of asbestos in the same batch.
Testing had not detected any airborne asbestos – the form that posed the greatest health risk.
"The release of airborne fibres is considered very unlikely unless the sand is mechanically crushed and inhaled," the Warehouse said.
The company said the sets were designed for "individual use", meaning The Warehouse believed it was "unlikely" the products were used in schools or early childhood centres.
Since the products first went on sale in January and September last year, 4678 units have been sold.
Customers who had purchased any of the recalled products were urged to "stop using" them.
The Warehouse said the products should be placed in a heavy-duty plastic bag, taped securely and kept away from children.
"Do not dispose of the product in general household waste."
The products could be returned to any of The Warehouse or Warehouse Stationery stores, with full refunds being offered.
"For everyone’s safety, customers are asked not to bring unsealed sand inside the store. Store team members and signage will direct customers to the correct bin for safe disposal inside the store."
Silv Roest, chief legal and corporate affairs officer at The Warehouse Group, said the company's own testing, which followed multiple coloured sand products testing positive for asbestos last year, came up negative.
"While MBIE’s test result differs, all that matters is the safety of the families who shop with us and our team members.
"That’s why we’re recalling these products and treating them as containing asbestos as a precaution.
“We’re very sorry for any worry and inconvenience this will cause, and we’ll do everything we can to help our customers through this recall.”
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