Orb Funkee Squeeze Toy Asbestos Recall

Orb Funkee Squeeze Toy Recall: What Parents Should Know

If you’ve recently heard about the Orb Funkee recall, it’s understandable to have questions. In May 2026, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced a recall of certain Orb Funkee Squeeze Toys after testing found that the sand inside some products may contain fibrous tremolite, a form of asbestos. Because asbestos is a known carcinogen, consumers are advised to stop using the affected toys immediately and keep them out of children’s reach while following the official recall instructions.

Although asbestos-related diseases are typically associated with repeated or prolonged exposure rather than a single incident, products containing asbestos should never remain in use. The recall is intended to prevent potential exposure and protect children and families before harm occurs. No injuries or illnesses had been reported at the time the recall was announced.

This guide explains why the toys were recalled, which Orb Funkee products are affected, the potential health risks associated with asbestos exposure, and the steps parents and caregivers should take if they own one of the recalled toys.

Why Were Orb Funkee Squeeze Toys Recalled?

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced the Orb Funkee recall after laboratory testing found that the sand inside certain Orb Funkee Squeeze Toys may contain fibrous tremolite, a form of asbestos. The affected products were imported by The Orb Factory and sold at several major retailers, creating a potential exposure risk if the toy is damaged, punctured, or opened and the sand inside is released.

At the time the recall was announced, approximately 6,000 recalled toys had been sold nationwide at Target, Kohl’s, Macy’s, Marshalls, TJ Maxx, Hobby Lobby, Walmart, and other retailers between March 2025 and May 2026.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was once widely used in a variety of products because of its strength and heat resistance. Today, it is recognized as a known carcinogen, with prolonged or repeated exposure linked to diseases including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. While asbestos-related diseases are generally associated with repeated occupational exposure rather than a single incident, products intended for children are held to strict safety standards. For that reason, the CPSC advises consumers to stop using the affected toys immediately and follow the official recall instructions.

At the time the recall was announced, no injuries or illnesses had been reported. The recall is intended to prevent potential exposure before harm occurs and remove the affected products from circulation.

Which Orb Funkee Toys Are Included in the Recall?

Only a small number of Orb Funkee Squeeze Toys are included in this recall. Before taking any action, check both the model number and the date code on your toy, as products with different details are not affected.

The date code (3102491A) is printed directly on the toy:

• Large Gold Monkee (Model 17451): On the toy’s hand.
• Small Monkees (Model 41929): On the back of each toy.

If your Orb Funkee toy has a different model number or date code, it is not included in this particular CPSC recall. 

If you’re unsure, compare your toy with the photographs and product information in the official recall notice before disposing of it or contacting The Orb Factory.

What Should You Do If You Have a Recalled Toy?

If you discover that your child has one of the recalled Orb Funkee Squeeze Toys, there’s no need to panic, but it is important to act promptly. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends stopping use of the toy immediately and following the official recall process.

Here’s what to do:

1. Remove the toy from your child’s reach immediately. Stop using the toy as soon as you confirm it is one of the recalled products. Place it somewhere secure where children cannot play with or accidentally damage it.
2. Avoid opening, cutting, or puncturing the toy. The recall relates to the sand inside the toy, which may contain asbestos. Do not attempt to inspect the contents yourself or dispose of the toy in a way that could release the filling.
3. Confirm that your toy is included in the recall. Check the model number and date code against the information provided in the official recall notice. Only specific Orb Funkee Squeeze Toys are affected, so it’s worth verifying these details before taking further action.
4. Contact The Orb Factory for next steps. The manufacturer is providing instructions for eligible consumers, including information about refunds or replacements. Follow those instructions carefully rather than throwing the toy away immediately.
5. Visit the official CPSC recall page. The recall notice includes photographs of the affected toys, details about the model numbers and date code, and any updates to the recall process. If you’re unsure whether your toy is included, this should be your first point of reference.

Although no injuries or illnesses had been reported when the recall was announced, recalls like this are designed to prevent potential exposure before it occurs. Following the official guidance is the safest way to protect your family.

Why Is Asbestos Dangerous?

Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals made up of microscopic fibers. For much of the twentieth century, it was widely used in construction materials, insulation, automotive parts, and many industrial products because it is durable, heat-resistant, and fire-resistant. Although its use has declined significantly, asbestos can still be found in some older buildings and, in rare cases, consumer products like those involved in this recall.

The danger arises when asbestos-containing materials are damaged or disturbed. Tiny fibers can become airborne and, if inhaled, may remain in the lungs for many years. Over time, repeated or prolonged exposure can damage lung tissue and increase the risk of serious illnesses, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. Because these diseases often develop decades after exposure, asbestos is now recognized as one of the most significant occupational health hazards of the last century.

It’s important to keep this recall in perspective. Most asbestos-related diseases are associated with repeated or long-term exposure, particularly among people who worked in industries such as construction, shipbuilding, manufacturing, or mining where asbestos was used regularly over many years. A single consumer exposure does not carry the same level of risk, and there is currently no evidence that simply owning one of the recalled toys will lead to asbestos-related disease.

Even so, products found to contain asbestos should never remain in use. Consumer recalls are issued to remove potentially hazardous products from circulation before they can cause harm and to minimize the risk of future exposure. If you would like to learn more about asbestos, how exposure occurs, and the diseases it has been linked to, visit our asbestos overview page.

Can Children’s Toys Contain Asbestos?

Yes—but it is extremely uncommon. Consumer products intended for children are subject to strict safety standards in the United States, and the vast majority of toys on the market do not contain asbestos. When asbestos is identified in a children’s product, manufacturers and regulators typically act quickly to remove it from sale and notify consumers through a product recall.

Over the years, asbestos has occasionally been detected in a small number of consumer products, including certain toys, crayons, talc-based products, children’s play materials, and art supplies. In many cases, the contamination occurred because naturally occurring minerals used in manufacturing were not adequately tested or purified before being incorporated into the finished product.

While these discoveries are rare, they highlight the importance of independent product testing and ongoing safety oversight. Agencies such as the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) routinely investigate reports of potentially hazardous products and work with manufacturers to issue recalls when necessary. Their goal is to identify problems early, remove affected products from circulation, and reduce the risk of future exposure.

For parents and caregivers, recalls like the Orb Funkee recall are a reminder to pay attention to product safety notices. Although finding asbestos in a children’s toy is unusual, prompt action by regulators helps ensure that potentially unsafe products are removed before they can pose a wider risk.

Understanding Product Recalls and Consumer Safety

Product recalls are an important part of the consumer safety system in the United States. They allow manufacturers and government agencies to remove potentially hazardous products from the market when a safety concern is identified, helping to protect consumers before additional injuries or exposures occur.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) oversees recalls involving thousands of household products, including toys, furniture, electronics, appliances, and children’s products. A recall may be issued after laboratory testing detects a hazardous material, consumers report a safety concern, the manufacturer identifies a problem during quality control, or a government investigation uncovers evidence that a product fails to meet federal safety standards.

Once a recall is announced, the CPSC works with manufacturers to notify consumers and explain what steps they should take. Depending on the product, this may include stopping use immediately, returning the item for a refund or replacement, arranging a repair, or safely disposing of the product according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Parents can also take a few simple steps to stay informed. Registering children’s products when possible, checking the CPSC website regularly, and signing up for recall alerts can make it easier to learn about new safety issues before they become a bigger concern.

What This Recall Means for Parents

Hearing that a child’s toy has been recalled because of asbestos can be unsettling. Fortunately, recalls like this are designed to identify potential hazards early and remove affected products from circulation before more people are exposed.

The most important thing parents can do is follow the official recall guidance. If you own one of the affected Orb Funkee Squeeze Toys, stop using it, keep it out of children’s reach, and follow The Orb Factory’s instructions regarding refunds or replacements. If your toy is not one of the recalled models, no further action is needed.

Staying informed is one of the best ways to protect your family. By following trusted sources such as the CPSC and keeping up to date with future product recalls, parents can respond quickly whenever a safety issue arises. If you would like to learn more about asbestos exposure, mesothelioma, and other asbestos-related diseases, explore Mesothelioma Hub’s educational resources for clear, evidence-based information.