Quick Read
- Smyths Toys recalled multiple ‘Dig’ kits due to asbestos traces in sand blocks.
- Products include Dino Dig Sensory Bin, Gold Dig It Kit, and Gem Dig Kit among others.
- Consumers must stop use immediately and follow strict disposal and cleaning guidelines.
- Asbestos contamination likely stems from natural impurities in raw sand material.
- Authorities continue investigating with health and environmental agencies.
DUBLIN (Azat TV) – Smyths Toys has issued an urgent recall across Ireland for multiple products in its popular “Dig” toy line after traces of asbestos were found in the sand used in the kits. The recall affects several products designed for children to excavate hidden items like dinosaur eggs, gems, and pirate treasure, raising serious concerns about potential health risks to children.
Asbestos found in Smyths Toys’ ‘Dig’ kits prompts nationwide recall
The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) confirmed the recall on March 24, 2026, emphasizing that while the overall health risk is considered low, the presence of asbestos—a banned mineral known for its carcinogenic properties—necessitates immediate action. The affected products include the Dino Dig Sensory Bin, Gold Dig It Kit, Dig It Out Dinosaur Eggs kit, Dig It Up Pirates Treasure Set, Gem Dig Kit 8 Pack, and several other related kits.
Asbestos contamination appears to have originated from natural impurities in the raw sand material used for the excavation blocks. The CCPC explained that asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral banned across the European Union due to its serious health hazards, including respiratory diseases and cancer when inhaled. Smyths Toys and Irish authorities are treating the recall as a precautionary measure to protect children and families.
Consumer safety instructions and disposal guidance for Smyths Toys’ recalled products
Consumers who own any of the recalled products are strongly advised to stop using them immediately. The CCPC recommends that unopened sand blocks be sealed in heavy-duty plastic bags and stored securely out of children’s reach. If the sand has been used, cleaning should be done carefully using wet cloths to minimize dust, while wearing protective gloves and an FFP2 face mask or equivalent.
All contaminated materials—including gloves, masks, and cleaning cloths—should be double-bagged and securely sealed before contacting local authorities for advice on safe collection and disposal. Smyths Toys is also urging customers to reach out to their customer service for refunds prior to disposal.
How asbestos contamination occurred and ongoing investigations
Authorities have indicated that asbestos likely entered the product through naturally occurring impurities in the raw sand mined for the kits. The CCPC is coordinating with the Health and Safety Executive and the Environmental Protection Agency to investigate the contamination pathway and prevent future occurrences.
Parents and consumers across Ireland have expressed shock and concern following the recall, with some noting that children received the kits as gifts months ago. Smyths Toys previously carried out a similar recall of another product range after asbestos traces were found, raising questions about supply chain oversight and quality controls.
The Smyths Toys ‘Dig’ product recall highlights ongoing challenges in ensuring toy safety amid complex global supply chains. While the immediate risk to children is low, this incident underscores the critical importance of stringent material testing and regulatory vigilance to prevent hazardous contaminants from reaching consumers, especially in children’s products.