EC Rainbow Sand and Creatistics – Coloured Sand is being recalled due to potential asbestos contamination. Consumers are advised to stop using the product immediately and instruct people to leave the area of facility where it is currently being used.
Independent testing in Australia has confirmed asbestos contamination in similar products. While testing of New Zealand product is ongoing, as a precautionary measure, the company Educational Colours has issued a recall notice.
The affected product is EC Rainbow Sand (1.3kg) and Creatistics – Coloured Sand (1kg) which have been sold in New Zealand through retailers including Paper Plus, Hobby Land, NZ School Shop, Office Products Depot, Discount Office, Acquire, Qizzle. Some online retailers may also have supplied this product.
The affected items have been sold from January 2021 to October 2025 at Modern Teaching Aids, Creative Classrooms Ltd and ACME Supplies.
“Asbestos is a serious health hazard and we are working with Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora, the Ministry of Education and WorkSafe to provide guidance for consumers and educational facilities which may have bought these products,” says Ian Caplin, Product Safety Spokesperson (MBIE).
“We urge anyone who has bought these products, either for personal use or potential use in a school or other setting to act immediately. Stop using the sand, contain it, secure it in a safe place and arrange for safe disposal through licensed professionals, a list of these is available on the Worksafe website.”
Immediate advice for consumers is to:
- If the sand is currently being used in your facility, please instruct everyone to leave the area, block it off and make sure it is not accessible. Do not vacuum or sweep floors where there is sand, or attempt to clean it up. Contact a licensed asbestos assessor.
- If individuals are currently using the sand, they should relocate to a sand-free, well-ventilated area.
- If an educational facility has identified that the sand has been used at their facility, they should notify Ministry of Education.
- Stop using the product immediately.
- Place the sand in a sealed container and store it securely away from people.
- Do not dispose of the product in general waste.
- Once secure, ask the supplier to organise a refund.
Meanwhile, MBIE is taking immediate precautionary action, while they establish the extent and risk of the potentially contaminated product.
For full recall notice, please click here
