Planet Fun has voluntarily initiated a recall of products from the ORB Funkee Animalz, Funkee Monkee, and Secret Menu Stretchee Foodz ranges following our own independent laboratory testing. This recall was not triggered by a regulator or a consumer complaint – by Planet Fun.
Products affected: ORB Funkee Animalz, Funkee Monkee, Secret Menu Stretchee Foodz
Retailers: The Warehouse, Farmers, Toyworld, Paper Plus
Sold: January 2025 – April 2026
Units affected (NZ): Approximately 14,000
Recall reference: PRN-565
Contact: [email protected] | (09) 917-4010
Why This Recall Was Issued
Test results confirmed the presence of naturally occurring asbestos materials – including chrysotile (white asbestos) and tremolite (grey/green asbestos) – in the sand component contained within these products.
Key facts about what testing found and did not find:
- Asbestos fibres were detected in the sand inside the product
- No respirable (fine, airborne) asbestos was detected in any sample
- No asbestos was detected on the rubber/silicone exterior surface
- No injuries or health incidents have been reported in New Zealand or internationally
- Risk under normal use is assessed as low
The sand is fully enclosed within a sealed silicone outer casing. The outer casing is not designed to be opened and cannot be accessed during normal handling or play. Surface testing of the silicone outer confirmed no asbestos is present on the exterior.
When Could a Risk Occur?
A risk could occur only if the toy is damaged, cut, torn, or broken open. If the silicone outer layer remains intact, the sand stays fully sealed inside.
We are not asking consumers to make this assessment themselves. We are asking them to return the product. That is the right and cautious course of action, and it is the one we are taking.
Understanding the Health Risk
The following guidance has been taken from the Health New Zealand website:
“Exposure to asbestos does not cause any immediate health problems. The health conditions linked to asbestos develop over a long period – typically many years. There is no safe level and therefore we try to avoid all exposure. For most people who have these products at home, the quantities involved will be small. That is very different to the greater risk for people who might be exposed during construction work or through the mining industry.”
Source: Health New Zealand — Asbestos in Sand
If anyone has used these products, there is no need for urgent medical attention. You can call Healthline free anytime on 0800 611 116 to discuss any health concerns. Healthline can advise whether you, a child, or a family member needs to see a healthcare professional for review.
What You Should Do
- Stop using the product immediately
- Keep it away from children
- Do not attempt to open, cut, or break the product apart
- Place it in a bag
- Return it to the store where you purchased it
- Bring proof of purchase (receipt, bank statement, or photo)
- A full refund is available at point of return
About These Products
ORB Funkee Animalz and the related products are rubber/silicone-encased novelty toys filled with sand. They represent a small, distinct segment of the Planet Fun portfolio, supplied by a single supplier that is entirely separate from all other Planet Fun brands. This issue has no connection to any other Planet Fun product range.
Planet Fun’s Response
Planet Fun filed this recall with New Zealand authorities on 22 April 2026. Our response has included:
- Immediate notification to all retail partners
- In-store notices placed at point of sale
- Direct consumer communication through our website and social channels
- Full cooperation with the New Zealand Commerce Commission and product safety authorities
- Engagement of specialist compliance consultants to manage the recall process end-to-end
Planet Fun has operated in New Zealand for 26 years. In that time we have faced two situations requiring product action – both low risk, both handled swiftly and transparently, and both resulting in meaningful improvements to our quality assurance systems.
Contact
Planet Fun Ltd
Phone: (09) 917-4010
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.planetfun.co.nz
Recall Reference: PRN-565