Action Toy Recall: Asbestos Found in Stretch Squad Toys – Check Codes Now!

Several supermarkets across Europe have issued recalls for children’s toys after traces of asbestos were detected in the products. The toys, marketed under the name Stretch Squad and Slammerz, pose a potential health risk, particularly if damaged, due to the presence of the carcinogenic material.

What Toys Are Affected?

The recall impacts specific lots of Stretch Squad figures sold between January 2024 and February 22, 2026. Asda, a UK-based supermarket, is recalling both Stretch Squad “Stretch Squad” figures and their “Slammerz” figures. Dutch retailer Action has also recalled its Stretch Squad pull-apart toy figures. Reports indicate that Tesco, Aldi, and other supermarkets may also be affected, though details are still emerging.

The affected Action toys have article numbers 3209338 (Stretch Squad) and 3202066 (Stretch Squad 4-pack). Asda has identified barcode numbers 5050837662419 and 5050835105345 as corresponding to the recalled products. Consumers are advised to check the packaging of their Stretch Squad toys for these identifiers.

Why is Asbestos a Health Hazard?

Asbestos is a known human carcinogen. Inhalation of asbestos fibers can lead to serious and often fatal diseases, including mesothelioma and lung cancer, typically developing years or even decades after exposure. While the levels of asbestos detected in the toys are described as “trace,” health authorities are taking a precautionary approach due to the inherent risks associated with any asbestos exposure.

The risk is heightened if the toys are damaged. The Stretch Squad figures contain a “sand-like material” within them. If the toy breaks or tears, this material – and potentially the asbestos fibers it contains – can be released into the air, increasing the possibility of inhalation. Even low-level exposure is considered a concern, as there is no known safe level of asbestos exposure.

What Should Consumers Do?

Consumers who have purchased the recalled Stretch Squad toys are urged to immediately stop using them. The toys should be kept away from children and returned to the store where they were purchased for a full refund. Asda and Action have stated that a receipt is not required for a refund.

It is important to handle the toys carefully to avoid damaging them and releasing the internal filling. If the toy is already damaged, it should be sealed in a plastic bag before disposal to prevent the spread of any potential asbestos fibers.

Broader Concerns and Investigations

This recall is not an isolated incident. There is growing concern regarding the presence of asbestos in children’s products, particularly those sourced from outside the European Union. A wider investigation is underway in the Netherlands, prompted by a similar recall in Australia where asbestos was found in children’s play sand. The products in Australia were traced back to China.

Dutch food safety authorities initiated the investigation following the Australian incident. Recent reports from the Dutch newspaper Algemeen Dagblad highlighted their own findings, further raising concerns about the potential for contamination in children’s toys and play materials.

While the Stretch Squad toys reportedly passed initial safety tests according to the EN71 standard, the recall was initiated as a precautionary measure once the possibility of asbestos contamination was identified. Both Action and HTI, the manufacturer, are conducting further laboratory analysis to determine the extent of the problem and identify any additional potentially affected products.

This situation underscores the importance of rigorous quality control and supply chain monitoring to ensure the safety of children’s products. Consumers should remain vigilant and stay informed about product recalls, and retailers have a responsibility to proactively identify and remove potentially hazardous items from their shelves.