Skint Dad

Where Every Penny Counts

  • Home
  • Save money
    • How to save money on groceries
    • Save money on energy bills
    • Save money on water bills
    • Frugal living tips
    • 1p Saving Challenge
  • Make money
    • Make money online
    • Best paid surveys
    • Best side hustle ideas
    • Free money
    • Genuine work from home jobs
    • Bank switch offers
  • Manage money
    • Best budgeting apps
    • Average household bills
    • Credit score apps
  • Help & Support
  • News
  • Deals
    • Farmfoods offers
    • Blue Light Card discounts list
    • When is the Next sale
    • 25% off wine
  • About us
    • Contact us
  • Subscribe
You are here: Home / News / Primark recalls two Halloween gonks over potential asbestos risk

Skint Dad is reader supported. Some links may earn us a small commission. Learn more

Primark recalls two Halloween gonks over potential asbestos risk

by Ricky Willis · published 6 October 2026 at 15:23 · updated 6 October 2026 at 15:23

Primark has recalled two Halloween gonk doorstops because the sand sealed inside may be contaminated with a small quantity of asbestos.

If you have either gonk at home, stop using it immediately, keep it out of reach of children and check the model number and barcode before returning it to Primark.

Primark store exterior
Photo: Jan Hagelskamp1 / Wikimedia Commons

The official product recall was published by the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) on 6 October 2026.

Get a sign-up bonus with Swagbucks

Earn a bit of extra money in your spare time with surveys, offers and other simple tasks you can do at home.

New users can currently get a bonus when they sign up.

Claim sign-up bonus

Which Primark Halloween gonks are affected?

The recall covers two seasonal doorstop decorations:

ProductModel numberBarcodeHow it looks
Witch Mini Gonk991174794212047125Witch hat with grey hair
Pumpkin Gonk991179148212080261Pumpkin hat
Primark Witch Mini Gonk and Pumpkin Gonk included in the October 2026 recall
The Witch Mini Gonk and Pumpkin Gonk included in the Primark recall. Image: OPSS/GOV.UK

Check the model number and barcode rather than relying only on how the decoration looks.

The official recall names only these two products.

Why have the gonks been recalled?

OPSS says the sand sealed inside the gonks may be contaminated with a small quantity of asbestos.

The products have been withdrawn from sale and recalled from customers by Primark.

What should I do if my gonk is not damaged?

Stop using it straight away.

OPSS says an undamaged gonk should be placed in a heavy-duty plastic bag. Double tape the bag securely, label it clearly and keep it somewhere secure and out of the reach of children.

You can then return it to your nearest Primark store for a full refund.

What if the gonk has split or the filling is exposed?

If the product is damaged and the filling is accessible, OPSS says to clean areas where it was used with wet cloths to avoid creating dust.

Wear gloves and a mask. Double bag the filling and product, along with the gloves, mask and cloths.

Keep children and other people away from the area until it has been cleaned.

If you cannot return the gonk to a Primark store, follow the steps above and contact your local authority, or check its website, for advice on safely disposing of asbestos in your area.

You can also read the GOV.UK guidance on asbestos in consumer products.

Do I need a receipt for a Primark refund?

No.

The official recall says you can return an affected gonk to your nearest Primark store for a full refund and you do not need to provide a receipt.

The most important first step is to stop using the product and follow the handling instructions above before taking it back.

Also read: Asda recalls children’s bear pop-up tent over entrapment risk.

Want to see more Skint Dad stories in Google?

Add Skint Dad as one of your preferred sources.

  • About
  • Latest Posts
Ricky Willis
Ricky Willis
A little bit of everything at Skint Dad
Ricky Willis is the original Skint Dad. A money-making enthusiast, father, and husband to Naomi. He is always looking for unique ways to earn a little extra.
Ricky Willis
Latest posts by Ricky Willis (see all)
  • Primark recalls two Halloween gonks over potential asbestos risk - 6 October 2026
  • Christmas temp jobs 2026: who’s hiring, pay and how to apply - 6 October 2026
  • Asda recalls children’s bear pop-up tent over entrapment risk - 6 October 2026

Saved a few quid with our tips?
If Skint Dad has helped you spend less or feel more in control of your money, you can support the site with a small contribution.

Support Skint Dad
The Skint List newsletter

Get simple money-saving tips, deals worth knowing about, and small wins to help everyday money feel more manageable.
Free, helpful, and easy to read.

Ricky and Naomi Willis

Ricky and Naomi Willis, founders and editors of the Skint Dad website.

We know how heavy money pressure can feel, so we share simple, practical help to make everyday money feel more manageable.

Read more about us.

Skint Dad in the media

Explore

Save money

Make money

Manage money

Buy our book

Budget recipes

Join the community

Buy Skint Dad a coffee

Information

About us

Contact us

Awards, Media and Press

Affiliate Disclosure

Privacy Policy

Cookie Policy

Terms & Conditions

Sitemap

Skint Dad

Business office:
K2 Tower
Bond Street
Hull
HU1 3EN
01482 230059

Skint Media Limited
Registered in England and Wales
Company number: 09991508

Registered office:
1st Floor 8b Lonsdale Gardens
Tunbridge Wells
Kent
TN1 1NU

Copyright © 2026 · Skint Media Limited · All rights reserved · Registered in England and Wales with company number 09991508

Skint DadSkint Dad
  • Home
  • Save money
    • How to save money on groceries
    • Save money on energy bills
    • Save money on water bills
    • Frugal living tips
    • 1p Saving Challenge
  • Make money
    • Make money online
    • Best paid surveys
    • Best side hustle ideas
    • Free money
    • Genuine work from home jobs
    • Bank switch offers
  • Manage money
    • Best budgeting apps
    • Average household bills
    • Credit score apps
  • Help & Support
  • News
  • Deals
    • Farmfoods offers
    • Blue Light Card discounts list
    • When is the Next sale
    • 25% off wine
  • About us
    • Contact us
  • Subscribe