FDA announces emergency recall of food allergy and asbestos toys
The FDA and CPSC have issued a nationwide recall of Birch Benders pancake mix, Whole Foods Minestrone Soup, and Orb Funky Squishy toys due to undeclared allergens and possible asbestos contamination.
Fox – Seattle
Hundreds of thousands of children’s toys are being recalled because they may contain the carcinogenic mineral asbestos.
According to a May 21 notice from the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the recalled Orb Funky Squishy toys sold nationwide at popular retailers such as Walmart may contain tremolite, a fibrous mineral better known as asbestos, in the sand. Asbestos can have negative health effects if inhaled.
Approximately 121,340 “Monkey” toys are affected by the recall. No injuries were reported.
Here’s what you need to know and what to do if you have a recalled toy.
Check Toys: Affected Products Sold at Walmart, Ollie’s
Two monkey-shaped Orb Funkee toy models are being recalled. One is a large golden figure labeled “Golden Monkey” and the other is an assortment of small, colorful “Funky Monkey” toys. The date code is located on the Golden Monkey’s hand or on the back of the small model.
- Product name: Orb Funky “Monkey” Squishy Toy
- Affected models: Model 17451 and Model 41929
- Date code: 3102491A
- Sales location: From February 2025 to April 2026 at Walmart and Ollie’s Bargain Outlet Stores nationwide.
- Price range: Between $5 and $40
What to do with recalled products
CPSC advises consumers to remove recalled toys from children, immediately stop using them, and contact The Orb Factory for a refund.
According to the notice, if the toy is torn or has a hole, or if the toy leaks sand, Orb Factory instructed consumers to wear a mask and gloves and pick up the leaked sand with a damp cloth.
Consumers with affected squishy toys are asked to identify the toy’s code and lot number, place the toy in a strong plastic bag, seal the bag securely with tape, and submit a photo of the product in the bag. customerservice@orbtoys.com How to get a refund.
“Consumers should dispose of the bags in accordance with local and/or state regulations,” the notice reads.
All items used to dispose of recalled toys, such as clothing, masks, and gloves, must be placed in heavy-duty plastic bags and rebagged and sealed with tape before disposal.
Affected consumers may contact Orb Factory by phone at 800-741-0089, by email at customerservice@orbtoys.com, or online Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern Time.
What is asbestos?
Asbestos is a general term for a group of naturally occurring fibrous minerals found in rocks and soil. Strong, heat-resistant, chemical-resistant, and electrically resistant fibers can be separated into thin threads that can be used in a wide range of products, from textiles to architectural insulation.
Asbestos was widely used in commercial and industrial manufacturing in the United States, particularly in the construction industry, until the Environmental Protection Agency passed a ban on new uses of asbestos in the late 1980s. Although it has been phased out in recent decades, the mineral can still be found in everything from paint on the walls of old buildings to coatings on water pipes.
Asbestos was regulated and removed from mainstream use in the United States after it was found to cause adverse health effects, including cancer.
When asbestos is destroyed, small particles are released into the air. When inhaled, it gets trapped in the lungs and can accumulate in the body over time. According to the EPA and the National Cancer Institute, this can lead to lung disease that causes inflammation, scarring, and difficulty breathing.
According to the EPA, asbestos is classified as a carcinogen, meaning it causes cancer in humans. It is thought to be associated with mesothelioma, a relatively rare cancer of the thin membrane lining the chest, abdomen, and heart. Lung cancer, laryngeal cancer, ovarian cancer. Non-cancerous changes in the lungs. Asbestosis is a chronic inflammatory condition of the lungs that can cause shortness of breath, coughing, and permanent damage. Most cases of mesothelioma are thought to be the result of exposure to asbestos, says the National Cancer Institute.
It is generally believed that repeated and sustained exposures are required for serious disease to develop. Although not recommended, the CPSC and EPA have found that limited contact with small amounts of minerals poses a low health risk.
