Italy issues health alert over asbestos-contaminated toys

Italy's Ministry of Health has issued an alert, within the European Safety Gate system, for several deformable toys filled with sand contaminated with asbestos (tremolite). The toys include a carrot-shaped elastic toy (Trendhaus, model 967176, barcode 4032722967176), a ghost-shaped deformable toy (Trendhaus, model 964700, barcode 4032722964700), and a black humanoid-shaped deformable toy (TOI TOYS, model 35162Z, barcode 8714627012248). The ministry has asked all regions to disseminate the notice and provide guidance. Consumers who have these toys should stop using them immediately, not open or empty them, and try to return them to the retailer. If return is not possible, they should contact their local health authority. If the toy is broken and sand has leaked, they should not sweep or vacuum it, avoid dispersing it, restrict access to the area, and contact the health authority. Similar toys without identifiable codes should also be set aside as a precaution. The toys should not be disposed of in regular waste.