Shein Issues Critical Product Recall Over Asbestos Contamination Fears
Fast fashion giant Shein has issued an urgent product recall notice, warning customers to immediately stop using a popular multi-colour quartz sand product. The company, which sells clothing, accessories, and home goods, has taken this drastic action following the discovery that the product may be contaminated with asbestos.
Immediate Health Risk Identified
The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has confirmed that the Multi-Colour Ultra-Fine Quartz Sand poses a serious health risk. This product, marketed for play, texture painting, vase-filling, room décor, and art purposes, has been found to potentially contain asbestos fibers.
"The product presents a risk to health as the sand may be contaminated with a small quantity of asbestos," stated the official OPSS notice. "Asbestos is a banned substance because it poses a risk to health even at low levels of exposure."
The recalled item carries the SKU code sh251116481135504969 and originates from China. It was sold in clear bags and available in yellow, brown, orange, and green colour variations.
Official Safety Instructions and Disposal Guidelines
The OPSS has issued specific instructions for customers who have purchased this product:
- Stop using the product immediately and keep it completely out of reach of children
- If the sand remains in its original packaging, place it in a heavy-duty plastic bag, double tape it securely, label it clearly, and store it in a secure location away from children
- If the sand has been used, clean all affected areas using wet cloths to prevent dust generation
- Wear protective gloves and a mask during cleanup procedures
- Double bag all contaminated materials including sand, gloves, masks, and cleaning cloths
- Keep children and other individuals away from areas where the sand was used until thorough cleaning is completed
- Contact the original distributor for a full refund and dispose of the product in general household waste
Regulatory Compliance Issues
The OPSS has determined that "the product does not meet the requirements of the General Product Safety Regulations 2005." This regulatory failure has prompted the immediate recall and removal of the product from Shein's sales platform.
This recall follows similar actions taken by other major retailers this week, including Tesco, Matalan, and Marks & Spencer, who have also removed potentially hazardous items from their shelves. The coordinated response highlights growing concerns about product safety standards in the retail sector.
Consumers are advised to check their purchases carefully and follow all safety instructions provided by regulatory authorities to minimize health risks associated with contaminated products.
