Further coloured sand products have been confirmed to contain asbestos following new test results received by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.

MBIE said the positive results came from proactive testing of products available in New Zealand.

One test formed part of the ongoing interagency response into possible asbestos contamination in play sand, while another was commissioned separately.

MBIE product safety spokesperson Ian Caplin said several samples have returned positive results for asbestos. He said MBIE has been working with suppliers and the products linked to the findings are now under recall.

The recalled products are Rainbow Sand Art Toy, with about eight hundred units sold at discount stores nationwide, and Craft Sand three hundred and eighty grams, with about five hundred units sold.

Mr Caplin said anyone who has purchased these products should stop using them immediately and follow the official advice for safe containment and disposal.

Households are advised to check the Health New Zealand website for the latest guidance on safe handling and disposal. Schools and early learning centres have been asked to follow a step by step guide on the Ministry of Education website. Businesses can find information on the WorkSafe website.

Mr Caplin said the priority is continuing the interagency response and acting upon any further results received. Testing of other play sands across the country is continuing, and some businesses have commissioned their own independent testing.

MBIE has asked that any positive test results be sent to [email protected] so the recall process can be managed with suppliers and retailers. Any further recalls will be published on the Product Safety website.

MBIE said it is working with WorkSafe, the Ministry of Education, Health New Zealand and retailers as part of the national response.