Overview
- Manufacturer HTI Group (Vulcan Consulting) notified authorities that some Stretch/Stretcherz figures may contain asbestos in the filling, triggering recalls posted on lebensmittelwarnung.de.
- Action withdrew Stretch Squad figures sold individually and in four-packs (multiple EANs) nationwide, and Aldi Süd recalled Stretcherz four-packs Electro Squad and Skull Squad (EANs 5050835011240, 5050835030340) sold from 3 Nov 2025 to 16 Feb 2026 in several states.
- Consumers are told to stop using the toys immediately, seal any damaged figures, and return them to Action or Aldi Süd for a full refund without a receipt.
- Asbestos poses a cancer risk when fibers are inhaled, with authorities warning the hazard arises if a figure is damaged and filler is released.
- Investigations point to coloured indoor play and craft sands—often imported from China—as a likely source; Dutch and Belgian findings, Australian and New Zealand recalls, and new testing have prompted advisories to avoid opening or using such sands, to wet-contain spills, avoid household vacuums, and use sealed disposal until results are available.