STORY
The Office for Product Safety and Standards and other regulators have issued a joint statement warning that consumer products containing asbestos must be removed from sale and recalled. The statement said the UK operates a zero-tolerance approach to asbestos in consumer goods, reflecting the ban on its use and importation since 1999.
The regulators said enforcement decisions are generally based on risk and proportionality, but that products found to contain asbestos must be recalled from consumers. They said the position was not an indication of the level of risk in any individual case, but reflected the legal approach to asbestos in consumer products.
The statement places responsibility on businesses to ensure they are meeting product safety obligations. It comes as ministers and regulators continue to focus on product safety, consumer protection and the removal of unsafe goods from the UK market.