Parents and educators are being urged to stop using several Kmart Magic Sand products after further samples tested positive for asbestos.

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) confirmed the recall now includes four additional coloured sand products sold by Kmart NZ, after testing revealed tremolite asbestos contamination.

The new products identified are the 14-piece Sandcastle Building Set and the Blue, Green and Pink Magic Sand sets. These join two previously recalled brands: EC Rainbow Sand and Creatistics Coloured Sand.

“We appreciate that the presence of asbestos in products used by children will be concerning to parents and caregivers,” MBIE spokesperson Ian Caplin said. “We urge families who have these products to stop using them immediately, secure them safely, and follow disposal instructions.”

Workplaces using these products are also advised to take immediate action.

“This is consistent with the advice provided following the initial recall issued on Wednesday November 12,” Caplin said. “We appreciate the urgency with which Kmart has acted.”

Further testing across similar products is underway. Until complete, MBIE cannot confirm if additional products may also be affected.

“Asbestos is a serious health hazard. The health risk is related to exposure over time, but households can reduce risk by following proper disposal guidelines,” Caplin said.

Products now included in the recall:

• EC Rainbow Sand (1.3kg) – previously recalled
• Creatistics Coloured Sand (1kg) – previously recalled

Newly recalled Kmart NZ products:

• 14-piece Sandcastle Building Set (Batch no: 42975724)
• Blue Magic Sand (Batch no: 42304364)
• Green Magic Sand (Batch no: 432919650)
• Pink Magic Sand (Batch no: 42304371)

Testing was carried out by Accurate Consulting.

“There’s no known safe level of exposure, but the risk from a single, low-level encounter is very low,” Caplin said.

For health advice, contact Healthline 0800 611 116 or visit info.health.nz. MBIE Consumer helpline: 0508 426 678

Read clean-up advice on the  Product Safety New Zealand website (Asbestos in sand).

The first recall notice can be found here: Educational Colours - Rainbow Sand and Creatistics - Coloured Sand - Various Colours – Product Safety New Zealand