A children’s toy sold at TK Maxx on Putney High Street has been recalled after testing found its sand-like filling contained traces of asbestos.
Asbestos. In a toy. Sold in Putney for £9.99.
The Stretcherz Stretch Squad is one of ten products currently subject to safety recalls at the store on 62 Putney High Street, where the notices now fill the shop window. The recalls cover children’s toys, children’s clothing, power banks, a wellness product, a children’s book, a food product and a beauty product. If you have shopped at TK Maxx or Homesense in the past 18 months, it is worth reading on.
The toy’s filling tested positive for asbestos, which is banned from toys and must not be present in any amount. The contamination is part of a wider problem. Asbestos and talc form naturally in the same rock, and when talc is mined it can bring asbestos fibres along with it. Talc is widely used as a filler and binding agent in cheap toys, particularly those manufactured in China. Since late 2025, sand-based toys have been recalled in Australia, New Zealand, the Netherlands and now the UK. The recall describes the overall risk as low, but the law has no threshold: any amount triggers a recall.
The Stretcherz recall extends well beyond TK Maxx. Asda, Tesco, Argos, Primark, Smyths Toys, The Works and several other retailers are also affected. Anyone who bought one should stop using it immediately.
Not feeling like a princess
The most recent recall, dated 10 April, is an American Princess Occasion Dress, a children’s party dress sold for £16.99. A wire running through the hem to hold its shape can work loose as stitching wears, creating a risk of injury. You will not feel like much of a princess when a wire is sticking into you, although in America they have become somewhat accustomed to worrying about the sudden impact of what a prick can do.
The dress was on sale as recently as this month.
Sitting on the coals
A Bluzen Infrared Sauna Blanket sold between October and March promises the sauna experience at home. What you want from a sauna is the warm wooden bench part. What you do not want is to be sitting on the coals. The blanket has been recalled because it can overheat during use, risking burns. It was sold in grey (£69.99) and black (£79.99).
Fire starters
Three portable power banks share a single fault: loose internal wiring that could cause overheating or fire. The Poppy 10,000 mAh (£19.99), Pom/Magpower 5000 mAh (£12.99) and Tek Squad 5000 mAh (£12.99) were all on sale between mid-2025 and January this year. If you are still carrying one in your bag, stop using it.
Peppa’s Nightmare Before Christmas
A Peppa Pig children’s book, Peppa’s Night Before Christmas, has a glitter varnish cover that peels off in flakes, posing a choking hazard for small children. Only print numbers 002 and 003 are affected. Check the copyright page inside the book. It was sold for £4.99.
Check the label
A Ten Acre Gifts coffee syrup collection sold between October and January is missing allergen information. The product may contain wheat, soy, tree nuts and peanuts. If you bought it and have allergies to any of these, do not drink it. The notice displaying this recall in the store window comes down on 21 April, which is why we are publishing this now.
Finally, a Hello Sunday Mineral Eye Cream labelled SPF 50 has been recalled after testing showed it provides less sun protection than stated on the bottle. With summer approaching, that matters. It was sold for £9.99.
How to get your money back
All ten products can be returned to any TK Maxx or Homesense store for a full refund or replacement. You do not need to have bought it at the Putney branch.
For further information, contact TJX Europe on 01923 473561 or email customerservice@tjxeurope.com.
