Asbestos warning for rangoli powder

If you are preparing to celebrate Diwali in early November, please be aware that five rangoli powder products sold in New Zealand have been recalled due to asbestos contamination.

Details of the five products (with photos of packaging) are available on the government’s Product Safety website here.

They join other coloured sand products previously recalled because of asbestos.

In your planning for Diwali, please make sure you are not using any of these recalled products. If you find them (or coloured sand or powder of unknown brand) in your workspace, please take the following steps.

Stop use 

• Immediately stop using the product.

If sealed

• Move the container to a secure location
• Label it: ‘May Contain Asbestos – Do Not Open’
• Email the Health, Safety and Wellbeing team to arrange collection for specialist disposal

If in use or spilled, or residue from previous use is likely in the area

• Ask individuals to stop and leave the area
• Block off the area and prevent access
• Do not sweep or vacuum the product
• Email an urgent request to the Health, Safety and Wellbeing team
• Cleaning and disposal will be handled by a licensed asbestos specialist
• Do not return to the area until HSW confirms it is safe to do so, following a licensed specialist assessment and potential cleaning and clearance

On 1 February 2027, an Unsafe Goods (Consumer Sand Products) Notice will come into force requiring consumer sand products, including toys for children under 14, to be tested and shown to be asbestos-free before they can be sold in New Zealand.