Squeeze toys recalled due to deadly asbestos risk – Business News
Beware, shoppers: “Monkee” business is afoot.
More than 121,000 squishy kids’s toys bought at Walmart and Ollie’s Bargain Outlet have been recalled due to “risk of serious injury or death from asbestos exposure,” warns the US Consumer Product Safety Commission.
“The recalled Orb Funkee squeeze toys may contain fibrous tremolite (asbestos) in the sand, which can cause adverse health issues if inhaled,” suggested the commission in a report, spotlighting the “Orb Funkee Gold Jumbo Monkee” in addition to the “Orb Funkee Monkee” in an assortment of “mega” colours as the doubtless contaminated objects.
The “Orb Funkee Gold Jumbo Monkee,” together with different toys from a standard Canadian provider, has been recalled over asbestos issues. The Orb Factory
The playthings, from The Orb Factory Limited, primarily based in Canada, had been manufactured in China.
“This recall involves two models of Orb Funkee squeeze toys with the date code 3102491A,” continued the official findings. “The products are made of a soft, stretchable material and filled with sand.”
“Model 17451 is a large golden monkey (stylized “monkee”), and model 41929 is an assortment of small “monkees” in numerous colours, together with orange, purple and inexperienced. The date code may be discovered on the hand of the golden monkee or the back of the smaller monkees.”
The company has vowed to refund shoppers who’ve bought the squeezable playthings marked with particular codes. The Orb Factory
Representatives for The Orb Factory Limited didn’t instantly reply to The Post’s request for remark.
The company is, nevertheless, offering prospects refunds on the fake monkeys, which have been bought nationwide, from February 2025 via April 2026, at costs starting from $5 to $40.
An assortment of Orb Funkee squeeze toys has been bought at Walmart and Ollie’s Bargain Outlet since February 2025. Getty Images
“Consumers should take the recalled toys away from children, stop using them immediately and contact The Orb Factory for a refund,” per the model’s website. “Consumers will be asked to verify the code and lot number of the toy, place the toy in a heavy-duty plastic bag, seal the bag securely with tape, and submit a photo of the product in the bag to customerservice@orbtoys.com.”
“If the toy has been ruptured or pierced, or the sand has escaped the toy, the Orb Factory has directed consumers to put on a mask and gloves and use damp cloths to pick up any sand that has leaked out; put the toy, cloths, mask and gloves in a heavy-duty plastic bag, then place this bag into a second bag (double-bagging) that is to be sealed with tape,” the bulletin reads. “Consumers should then dispose of the bag in accordance with local and/or state regulations.”
The Orb Funkee Monkee in mega orange, purple and inexperienced have all been recalled. The Orb Factory
When it comes to asbestos publicity, there’s no room for kidding round, warns the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“People who have contact with asbestos are at risk of developing health problems,” say the specialists, noting lung most cancers, mesothelioma, asbestosis and pleural illness as doable ramifications.
There have been no stories of harm or death associated to the Orb Funkee squeeze toys as of Friday, May 22.
The recall comes shortly after “The Wonder Co Scoop & Play Ice cream sensory bin” and “Scoop & Play Dino discovery sensory bin,” by Australian retailer Toymate, had been yanked from cabinets over asbestos-related issues in January.
Squishy dumplings, a social media-popular plushy manufactured by Tnearc toys, have equally caught flak for allegedly secreting poisonous quantities of chemical compounds with every squeeze.
“Kids are putting these up to their faces in their mouths, they’re busting them, the fillings coming out and going all over the place,” stated Jordan Collinet, a involved guardian and content material creator, in a viral video final month.
“Don’t buy these. If you have them, return them. It’s not worth it.”
