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Build-A-Bear Workshop "Founding Bear" stuffed bears

CPSC Recall #03-070 — January 15, 2003

Recall Summary

Recall Number03-070
Recall DateJanuary 15, 2003
Remedy TypeReplace
Units AffectedAbout 80,000

Where It Was Sold

Build-A-Bear Workshop stores and website sold these stuffed bears nationwide between March 2000 and December 2002 for between $22 and $25.

Product

Build-A-Bear Workshop "Founding Bear" stuffed bears

Description

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Build-A-Bear Workshop, of St. Louis, Mo., is recalling about 80,000 "Founding Bear" stuffed bears. The nose of the stuffed bear can be pulled or twisted off, posing a choking hazard to a young child.Build-A-Bear Workshop has not received any reports of injuries resulting from these stuffed bears. This recall is being conducted to prevent possible injuries.The recall includes the "Founding Bear," and the "Founding Bear II." The "Founding Bear" is about 19 inches long, and the "Founding Bear II" is about 18 inches long. Both stuffed bears are chocolate brown and have cream-colored paws and snout. "OUR FOUNDING BEAR" is written on a cardboard tag that was originally attached to the bear's ear.Build-A-Bear Workshop stores and website sold these stuffed bears nationwide between March 2000 and December 2002 for between $22 and $25.Consumers should take these stuffed bears away from young children immediately. Build-A-Bear Workshop will exchange the bear for any other item they sell of equal value or provide a Build-A-Bear Workshop gift card. Consumers should return the stuffed bears to any Build-A-Bear Workshop store or contact the firm for instructions on mailing the bear. For more information, call Build-A-Bear Workshop toll-free at (866) 236- 5683 between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's website at www.buildabear.com (note added 01/18/2005 - recall information is no longer on the firm's website).

Hazard

The nose of the stuffed bear can be pulled or twisted off, posing a choking hazard to a young child.

Incidents & Injuries

Build-A-Bear Workshop has not received any reports of injuries resulting from these stuffed bears.

Remedy Instructions

Consumers should take these stuffed bears away from young children immediately. Build-A-Bear Workshop will exchange the bear for any other item they sell of equal value or provide a Build-A-Bear Workshop gift card. Consumers should return the stuffed bears to any Build-A-Bear Workshop store or contact the firm for instructions on mailing the bear.

What Should You Do?

Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Replace at no charge. If you experienced an injury, report it at SaferProducts.gov.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Follow the consumer action instructions in the recall notice above. Most recalls require you to stop using the product and contact the manufacturer directly — either by calling the toll-free number listed in the official CPSC notice or by visiting the manufacturer's website. You generally do not need a receipt or original packaging to claim a remedy. The manufacturer is legally required to provide the remedy (Replace) at no cost to you.

Federal law prohibits the sale of toys with small parts for children under age 3. CPSC uses a standardized small parts cylinder to test whether pieces from a toy can fit entirely inside — if they can, they are considered a choking hazard. Products marketed for children under 3 must not contain any small parts. Beyond the legal requirements, the CPSC and pediatricians recommend keeping all small objects away from children under 4, as the risk of choking extends beyond the formal legal age threshold.

In most cases, no. CPSC-coordinated recall remedies are designed to be accessible without proof of purchase. Manufacturers typically ask consumers to self-certify ownership and may ask for photos of the product or its serial number. Some manufacturers request that you mail in a portion of the product (such as a cut cord or removed component) as proof of disposal. Check the specific remedy instructions for this recall for exact requirements. If you registered your product at the time of purchase, the process is usually even simpler.

If the original manufacturer has gone out of business, the recall remedy may no longer be available through them. In this case, contact CPSC directly at 1-800-638-2772 or cpsc.gov for guidance. If the brand was acquired by another company, the acquiring company may have assumed recall obligations. In some cases where a remedy is unavailable, CPSC advises consumers to safely dispose of the product. If you were injured by the product of a defunct company, consult a product liability attorney — parent companies, distributors, and retailers may still bear liability in some circumstances.

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