Letterbox Lab Explore Box 9 and Investigate Box 9 Child’s Science Experiment Kit containing Water Beads
- Affected
- Kids science kit for kids aged 6+, containing 3 experiments, one of which includes a small plastic bag of expanding water beads. Packaged in a purple cardboard box.
- The problem
- The product presents a serious risk as it contains water beads which can expand when soaked, causing blockages within the digestive tract.
- What to do
- Affected consumers should dispose of the water beads immediately with your household waste or ensure that they are stored safely out of reach of children and animals. Letterbox Lab have removed all water beads from Letterbox Lab Boxes.
Product information
| Type | Toys – Science Experiment Kit featuring Expanding Water Beads |
|---|---|
| Brand | Letterbox Lab |
| Model | Explore Box 9 / chain reactions and Investigate Box 9 |
| Country of Origin | United Kingdom |
| Product Description | Kids science kit for kids aged 6+, containing 3 experiments, one of which includes a small plastic bag of expanding water beads. Packaged in a purple cardboard box. |
| Product Report and Image | Link to product image and PDF |
Hazard
The product presents a serious health risk as it includes water beads that expand to more than 50% of their original size within 12 hours of soaking them in water. If the small, dehydrated bead is swallowed by a young child, the bead may expand inside the digestive tract causing a blockage. The product also presents a risk of asphyxiation as if a bead is swallowed in its hydrated form, it may block a young child’s airway leading to aspiration.
OPSS has published a Product Safety Alert for water beads, which can be accessed at: https://www.gov.uk/product-safety-alerts-reports-recalls/product-safety-alert-water-beads-psa7
The product does not meet the requirements of the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011 or the Food Imitations (Safety) Regulations 1989.
Corrective action
Letterbox Lab have issued a safety warning to affected consumers advising them of the risks associated with water beads.
Affected consumers should dispose of the water beads immediately with your household waste or ensure that they are stored safely out of reach of children and animals. Letterbox Lab have removed all water beads from Letterbox Lab Boxes.
Additional information
PSD case number: 2501-0087
Notified by: Local Authority Trading Standards
Can I get a refund?
In most cases, yes – recalled items can usually be returned for a full refund, repair or replacement, often without a receipt. Follow the instructions in the notice above, or contact the shop you bought it from. More on your rights after a recall.
Updated 11 February 2025. This page summarises an official notice. Details can change – always follow the official notice.