A variety of vividly hued sand products designed for children have been withdrawn from the market due to concerns over asbestos contamination.

Educational Colours, the supplier, announced the recall for three specific items available across Australia at retailers such as Officeworks, Educating Kids, Modern Teaching Aids, and Zart Art, distributed between 2020 and 2025.

The items in question are named Kadink Sand (1.3kg), Educational Colours – Rainbow Sand (1.3kg), and Creatistics – Coloured Sand (1kg).

According to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), the recall was prompted after laboratory tests identified the presence of tremolite asbestos, a naturally occurring form of asbestos, in certain samples.

The ACCC stated, “We will continue to oversee the situation regarding these products, and the recall notice may be amended if further details arise.”

Asbestos is a prohibited substance in Australia.

“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,” ACCC deputy chair Catriona 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.

“We urge customers who own any of the products to stop using them immediately and place the sand in a heavy-duty plastic bag and double tape it securely and keep it out of reach of children.

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

Customers are urged not to dispose of the product in general waste.

Information on the disposal of Asbestos waste, including disposal facilities in your state or territory can be found on The Asbestos and Silica Safety and Eradication Agency website.

Contact recalls@educationalvantage.com on disposal and for seeking a full refund.

A voluntary recall was also issued in New Zealand today for the same products.