Primark Gonks Recall: Asbestos in Sand Filling

Primark has recalled two Halloween gonk decorations, the HV Pumpkin Plush Gonk and the HW Mini Gonk, because the sand sealed inside them may be contaminated with a small quantity of asbestos. The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) published the Primark gonks recall on 6 October 2026. If you have either one at home, stop using it, keep it away from children, and return it to any Primark store for a full refund. You don't need a receipt.

What the recall notice says

According to the OPSS recall notice (case 2610-0004), the sand inside the two gonks "may be contaminated with a small quantity of asbestos", and the products do not meet the requirements of the relevant safety regulations. Primark is recalling them from customers who already own them.

Gonks are soft, weighted, floppy-hatted seasonal decorations, and the weight usually comes from a sand or bead filling in the base. That makes them just the sort of thing a crawling baby or toddler will grab, drag around and chew, even though they are sold as decorations rather than toys. If a seam splits, the filling can end up on the floor.

How to check if you have the affected gonks

Product	Model	Barcode
Primark HV Pumpkin Plush Gonk	991179148	212080261
Primark HW Mini Gonk	991174794	212047125

Match the model number or barcode on the label. If you've lost the label but the decoration matches the description and came from Primark this season, treat it as affected and follow the steps below.

What to do if you have one

These steps come from the OPSS notice and the GOV.UK guidance on asbestos in consumer products:

1. Stop using it and keep it away from children.
2. If it is undamaged, put it in a heavy-duty plastic bag, seal it, and double-bag it.
3. If it is damaged and filling has spilled, clean the affected areas with wet cloths while wearing gloves and a mask. Double-bag the filling, cloths, gloves and mask together.
4. Return it to any Primark store for a full refund. No receipt is required.

The wet-cloth method matters because asbestos harms health when its fibres are breathed in. Dry sweeping or vacuuming can put fibres into the air, so avoid both.

If your baby or toddler has handled one

A recall notice can't tell you your own child's individual risk. What the NHS says is that asbestosis is caused by breathing in asbestos fibres and that symptoms can take 20 to 30 years to appear after exposure, so you would not expect anything to show now. The OPSS notice doesn't recommend a specific health check for children who have handled the products. If you're worried, speak to your GP or call NHS 111 and explain what your child was exposed to and roughly when.

Another sand-filled recall in a long run

This is the latest in a series of sand-related recalls we've covered, including the Smyths cornhole bean bags and the HTI sand art bottle kit. The common thread is sand used as cheap filler or play material. It's worth checking any weighted decoration, beanbag or sensory item that contains loose sand, especially at Halloween when seasonal stock arrives in quantity.

Other recent child-related OPSS entries

The same week, OPSS also published a product safety report on two plush toys sold via Amazon under the InteDesign name. The report says one has detachable eyes that present a choking hazard for children under 36 months, and both have plastic packaging bags that don't meet the thickness requirement, creating an asphyxiation risk. The import was rejected at the border, so these should not have reached customers. Our write-up of the ASDA Kidz Pop Up Bear Tent recall covers another recall from the same week.

Habits that help with seasonal decorations

• Search the OPSS recalls list by product name before buying or accepting seasonal items.
• Keep weighted decorations out of reach of babies and toddlers, however soft they look. Our guide to toy safety standards explains what safety marks do and don't cover.
• Check hand-me-downs and second-hand finds against recall notices; see buying second-hand baby gear safely.

The bottom line

If you have the Primark HV Pumpkin Plush Gonk (991179148) or HW Mini Gonk (991174794), stop using it, bag it securely, wipe rather than sweep any spilled sand, and return it to Primark for a full refund with no receipt. If your child has handled one and you're worried, talk to your GP or NHS 111.