Aldi and Argos recall children’s toy due to asbestos risk

Stretcherz Toys, which are manufactured by HTI Toys, have been withdrawn from the market.

They are stretch toys filled with sand-like material, which may be contaminated with trace levels of asbestos.

Retailers including Asda, Aldi, Argos, B&M, Home Bargains, Smyths Toys and The Works have all issued recalls for various Stretcherz toys.

The recall was initially issued on Tuesday, February 17, but has been extended to other retailers over the rest of the month.

A notice on the government website said: “The product presents a risk to health as the sand included in the set may be contaminated with a quantity of asbestos.”

It is advised to stop using these products immediately and keep them out of the reach of children.

They add: “If the sand is still in its packaging, place in a heavy-duty plastic bag, double tape it securely, label it clearly and store in a secure location out of the reach of children.  

“If the sand has been used, clean up  sites where the product was used using wet cloths to avoid generating dust.

“Wear gloves and a mask. 

“Double bag the sand, gloves, mask and cloths.”

From here, people can return the product to the place of purchase for a refund.

If you are unable to get to the shop where you purchased the item, it is advised to “dispose of the product in your general household waste” after following the initial instructions for what to do with the packaging.

It adds: “Contact the distributor you purchased from for a full refund.”

Which specific products have been recalled?

The specific products that have been recalled by all the retailers can be found below, with details on their barcodes and when they were sold.

Aldi

• Stretcherz Twin Pac (Barcode: 855055)
• Skulls – Pink & Blue (Barcode: 5050839102142)
• Skulls- Green & Blue: (Barcode: 5050839102241)
• Skulls – Green & Red (Barcode: 5050839102340)
• Electro, White & Red (Barcode: 5050839102449)
• Electro, Blue & Yellow (Barcode: 5050839102548)
• Electro, Aqua & Orange (Barcode: 5050839102647)

Argos

• Stretcherz Stretch Squad Dino – pack of four (Product code: 7832350, Item Number: 1350092.00)
• Stretcherz Stretch Squad Collectibles – pack of eight (Product code: 8110411, Item Number: 1376630.24)

Asda

• Stretch Squad Assortment (Barcode: 5050837662419) – sold between January 2024 and February 2026
• Slammerz Assortment (Barcode: 5050835105345) – sold between January 2025 and February 2026

B&M

• 10PK Stretch Squad (Product Code: 410066)
• Stretch Squad (Product Code: 399422)
• Figures 2PK XXL (Product Code: 431141)
• 4PK Dino (Product Code: 423398)

The Entertainer

• Stretch Slammerz (Barcode: 5050835011042, Product Code: 1350110.ENT)
• Stretch Squad Assorted (Barcode: 5050837662419, Product Code: 1376624.ENT)
• Stretch Squad 4 Pack (Barcode: 5050837662914, Product Code: 1376629.ENT)

Home Bargains

• Stretch Squad 4Pck (Barcode: 5050837662945) – sold between March 2025 and September 2025
• Stretch Squad XXL (Barcode: 5050835009346) – sold between December 2025 and February 2026
• Stretch Squad 2pack (Barcode: 5050837663010) – sold between April and September 2025
• Stretch Squad Asst Figures (Barcode: 5050873662419) – sold between March 2025 and September 2025
• Stretch Dino Asst Figures (Barcode: 5050835008547) – sold between June 2025 and February 2026

Morrisons

• Stretch Squad XXL (Barcode: 1350093)
• Stretch Squad (Barcode: 1376624)

Poundland

• Stretcherz Stretch Squad (Barcode: 5050837662419)
• Stretcherz Street Smash car (Barcode: 5050837685548)
• Stretcherz Street Smash car (Barcode: 5050837685562)
• Stretcherz Strech Squad Dinos (Barcode: 5050835008547)

Smyths Toys

• Stretcherz Stretch Squad 4 Pack Assortment (Barcode: 5050837662945)
• Stretcherz Stretch Squad 16cm NR (Barcode: 5050837662419)
• Stretcherz Stretch Squad Figures 2 Pack Assortment (Barcode: 5050837663010)

Tesco

• Stretcherz Squad Action Figure 4 Pack Assortment

TKmaxx/Homesense

• Stretcherz Stretch Squad 4pk (Price ticket code: 039044 and 039057) – sold between January and February 2026

Recommended reading:

The Works

• 2pk Stretchy Slammerz (Barcode: 5050835010946) – sold between August 2025 and February 2026
• 2pk Stretchy Figures (Barcode: 5050837663010) – sold between August 2023 and February 2026

A statement on the government website adds: “Asbestos is a banned substance because it poses a risk to health even at low levels of exposure.  

“The product does not meet the requirements of the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011.”