The US recalls more than 121,000 children’s toys because of concerns about asbestos

As of May 22, authorities have not recorded any casualties related to this product line. However, the CPSC asked retail chains such as Walmart and Ollie’s Bargain Outlet to withdraw all goods from the counter over the weekend, after inspection experts discovered tremolite mineral fibers (a toxic form of asbestos) mixed in the sand stuffing. This agency warns that young children will face many serious diseases if they accidentally inhale toxic sand.

The recall list includes 121,340 products owned by The Orb Factory Limited (Canada) and delivered to partners in China for production. From February 2025 to April 2026, supermarkets sold two models of this squishy monkey toy made from soft material, covered with stretch film for 5-40 USD. Buyers need to check the production date code 3102491A that the manufacturer printed on the hand of the large yellow monkey (code 17451) or on the back of the small monkey cluster in many colors such as orange, purple, green (code 41929).

The Orb Factory Limited requires parents to immediately take the toy back from their children, stop using it and contact the company to receive a refund. To carry out the refund process, customers need to compare the product code and batch number, put the toy in a thick plastic bag, seal the bag with tape, take a photo and send it to the customer service department.

If the toy is torn and causes sand to leak, people must wear a mask and gloves, then use a damp cloth to wipe it clean. Next, they need to put all the toys and cleaning tools in two layers of plastic bags, tape them tightly and then dispose of them according to local waste disposal regulations.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasizes that asbestos exposure carries significant health risks, including lung cancer, mesenchymal carcinoma, asbestosis and pleural injury.

In January, retailer Toymate (Australia) also had to withdraw two sets of sensory sand toys named “The Wonder Co Scoop & Play Ice cream” and “Scoop & Play Dino discovery” from the shelves because of similar concerns. Last month, a parent attracted attention on social networks when he posted a video warning that children often suck on or break toys, causing the filling to spill out, and called on the community to return the goods to protect children’s safety.