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Woolworth recalls children’s toys in Germany over asbestos risk
The German retailer Woolworth GmbH has launched a nationwide recall of four stretch‑type toys – Stretchy Sand with scent (Watermelon and Blueberry flavours), Stretchy Mouse (12 cm) and Stretchy Soldier – because the sand used in the products may be contaminated with asbestos. The recall applies to all packs sold across all German states and is not limited to any specific production batch. Consumers can return the items to any Woolworth store for a full refund, even without a receipt.
The concern follows earlier reports of asbestos‑contaminated play sand originating from China that were identified in Australia, New Zealand and investigated by Dutch media. Asbestos is classified as a carcinogenic material; health authorities note that inhalation of its fibres can cause lung cancer and other diseases, though the exact risk to children playing with the toys remains unclear. The German Environment Agency (Umweltbundesamt) has warned about the dangers of asbestos exposure.
Woolworth advises that the recalled items should no longer be used and urges parents to return them promptly.
Entities
Australia · China · New Zealand · Stretchy Mouse · Stretchy Sand · Stretchy Soldier · Umweltbundesamt · Woolworth · Woolworth GmbH
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] The sand used in the toys originates from China. www.finanznachrichten.de · www.zeit.de · www.volksfreund.de
- [● 3 SOURCES] The recall is due to possible asbestos contamination in the sand used in the toys. www.finanznachrichten.de · www.zeit.de · www.volksfreund.de
- [● 3 SOURCES] Asbestos is a known carcinogen that can cause lung disease when inhaled. www.finanznachrichten.de · www.zeit.de · www.volksfreund.de
- [● 3 SOURCES] Consumers can return the toys at Woolworth stores and receive a refund without a receipt. www.finanznachrichten.de · www.zeit.de · www.volksfreund.de
- [● 3 SOURCES] Earlier asbestos findings in similar sand were reported in Australia and New Zealand. www.finanznachrichten.de · www.zeit.de · www.volksfreund.de
- [● 3 SOURCES] The recall applies to all packages, not limited to a specific production batch. www.finanznachrichten.de · www.zeit.de · www.volksfreund.de
- [● 3 SOURCES] The recalled products are Stretchy Sand with scent (Watermelon and Blueberry), Stretchmaus 12 cm, and Stretchy Soldier. www.finanznachrichten.de · www.zeit.de · www.volksfreund.de
- [● 3 SOURCES] Woolworth is recalling four products from its toy range in Germany. www.finanznachrichten.de · www.zeit.de · www.volksfreund.de