Kmart Recalls Another Coloured Sand Product

Kmart NZ has informed the Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment (MBIE) that further testing has identified another coloured sand product -- Licensed Sensory Activity Sets: Frozen Bluey and Paw Patrol -- has returned positive results for the presence of asbestos. Kmart NZ has sold approximately 864 units.

Under the Fair Trading Act 1986, MBIE is responsible for publishing voluntary recall notices.

Suppliers and retailers are responsible for the quality of their goods, and we would encourage consumers to seek a remedy from Kmart NZ in the first instance or, failing that, approach the Disputes Tribunal.

Recall details are available on the Product Safety New Zealand website.

People must stop using these products immediately and follow the relevant advice for safe containment and disposal.

What households should do:

• Stop using these products immediately.
• Do not touch or play with the sand.
• Follow the specialist advice on safe containment, removal and disposal.
  • For households this advice can be found on Health NZ’s website: https://info.health.nz/asbestos-in-sand

What workplaces including schools and early learning centres should do:

• Stop using these products immediately.
• Do not touch or play with the sand.
• Follow the specialist advice on safe containment, removal and disposal.
  • For educational facilities this advice can be found on the Ministry of Education’s website: www.education.govt.nz/news/asbestos-coloured-sand
  • For other workplaces follow WorkSafe’s advice: www.worksafe.govt.nz/asbestos-in-coloured-sand/

Further information:

If you purchased this product for personal, domestic or household use, contact the supplier or store for refund options. If you’ve incurred losses (e.g. in clean-up costs etc), you might be able to obtain damages from the supplier under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993. This will be for consumers to discuss directly with the suppliers. You can find more information on your rights with unsafe products under the CGA here Know your rights to a refund, replacement or repair | Consumer Protection

Independent testing:

We are aware that some consumers and businesses are conducting their own independent tests for the presence of asbestos.

If a positive test result is found indicating asbestos in a play sand product, please send a copy of the test reports to recalls@mbie.govt.nz. We will contact the supplier to facilitate the recall process and require a test report that provides the brand, make, product name, SKU, colour etc. of the product tested and found to be positive. By sending the report to us you are giving permission to share it (personal details will be redacted) with the supplier and other relevant government agencies.

Contact details:

Product Safety, for questions about product recalls - 0508 426 678 (Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5pm)

WorkSafe, if the product is in a workplace - 0800 030 040 (8.30 am – 5.00 pm

Monday to Thursday, 9.00 am – 5.00 pm Friday)

Ministry of Education, for schools and early learning centres - 0800 323 323 (available 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday.)

If you, or someone you know, has used the product, there is no need for urgent medical attention. Please discuss any health concerns with Healthline, by calling 0800 611 116 (anytime) who will advise if you or someone you know needs to see a healthcare professional for review.

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