|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Kmart New Zealand has issued another product recall after further testing confirmed the presence of asbestos in a second batch of children’s coloured sand products, prompting renewed warnings from government agencies for households, schools and workplaces to stop using the affected items immediately.
The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) said on December 9 that Kmart had advised it of positive asbestos test results in Licensed Sensory Activity Sets: Frozen, Bluey and Paw Patrol, with around 864 units sold nationwide. The product is now subject to a voluntary recall published by MBIE under the Fair Trading Act.
Product Safety New Zealand says the sand may contain asbestos, which is a prohibited substance in New Zealand.
“Laboratory testing has detected asbestos in some samples. The agency emphasises that respirable asbestos fibres have not been found in any of the tested samples, and that the release of airborne fibres is unlikely unless the sand is mechanically disturbed through crushing or pulverising.
“The risk of asbestos becoming airborne or fine enough to be inhaled is considered low, but consumers are still advised to stop using the product immediately and follow safe containment and disposal advice.”
The latest recall comes just four days after Kmart cancelled earlier recall notices for its Blue, Green and Pink Magic Sand products, when independent testing commissioned by the company confirmed no asbestos was present.
MBIE has advised consumers who incurred costs because of the earlier, now-cancelled recalls to contact Kmart for reimbursement.
Have you been affected? Email: reporter@franklintimes.co.nz
The newly affected sets have returned positive results and require “immediate cessation of use,” MBIE says.
The ministry is urging households and workplaces to safely isolate and contain the sand and follow the specialist disposal advice provided by Health New Zealand, WorkSafe and the Ministry of Education.
MBIE says suppliers are responsible for the quality and safety of goods they sell and encourages consumers to seek remedies directly from Kmart, or if necessary, approach the Disputes Tribunal.
Under the Consumer Guarantees Act, those who purchased the products may be entitled to refunds or damages, including reimbursement for clean-up costs.
This latest recall does not affect two earlier notices still in force for Kmart’s 14-piece Sandcastle Building Set and Make Your Own Unicorn Sand Ornaments, which remain on the Product Safety New Zealand list of recalled items.
MBIE says the health and wellbeing of New Zealand families remains its highest priority and that further test results from other products are pending.
Consumers who have independently tested children’s sand and received positive asbestos results are encouraged to send their reports to MBIE, which will pass them to suppliers and relevant government agencies. Reports should include product details such as brand, name, SKU and colour.
Anyone concerned about potential health effects is advised there is no need for urgent medical attention, but Healthline is available on 0800 611 116 for advice.
Product recall information, including safe handling guidance and disposal instructions, is available through Product Safety New Zealand.
