EU RAPEX Alert: ORB Toys Sand-Filled Squishy Recalled Over Asbestos in Filling

The EU Safety Gate (RAPEX) network has flagged a sand-filled stress-relief squishy sold under the ORB Toys brand (model 1852591A, made in China). Slovenia’s notification warns the toy may rupture and release its filling — and the sand inside was found to contain asbestos at up to 2.05% by weight, a known carcinogen. The product does not comply with the Toy Safety Directive and has been voluntarily recalled from consumers (ref SR/01852/26).

What was flagged

The notification concerns a sand-filled “stress-relief squishy” marketed under the ORB Toys brand, model 1852591A, manufactured in China. Two hazards are cited: the toy’s outer skin can break open and leak its filling (a choking and exposure risk), and the sand used as filling contains asbestos up to 2.05% by weight — a substance classified as carcinogenic. The measure taken is a voluntary recall from end consumers under RAPEX alert number SR/01852/26.

Why asbestos in toy filling is serious

Asbestos is a known human carcinogen; there is no established safe level of exposure. In a squishy toy, the danger is twofold: if the skin splits, fine filling can escape, and airborne asbestos fibres can be inhaled — particularly by children who squeeze, tear or mouth the product. EU toy rules (the Toy Safety Directive 2009/48/EC and REACH) prohibit carcinogenic substances in accessible toy materials, and the burden is on the manufacturer and importer to verify raw-material purity, including fillings.

A systemic risk in sand-filled squishies

This is not an isolated case. It echoes an earlier US recall of around 121,000 Orb Funkee squeeze toys whose sand filling was also suspected to contain asbestos — and EU Safety Gate alerts in 2026 have repeatedly flagged sand- and bead-filled squishies. The pattern points to a systemic sourcing problem: low-cost industrial or construction sand used as filling can carry naturally occurring asbestos, and many suppliers do not test for it. For the category, “sand-filled” is now a material-verification red flag.

Takeaway for makers and exporters

For squishy and sensory-toy makers, the lesson is concrete: the filling is part of the product and must be tested. Exporters should obtain batch-level material test reports for any sand, bead or powder filling, confirm the absence of asbestos and other restricted substances, and keep documentation ready for platform and customs checks. Switching to a verified, certified filling supplier is far cheaper than a recall.