IKEA Stuffed Animals
CPSC Recall #97-141 — June 11, 1997
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 97-141 |
| Recall Date | June 11, 1997 |
| Remedy Type | Refund |
| Units Affected | 8,000 |
Where It Was Sold
| IKEA stores nationwide sold the stuffed animals from January 1997 through May 1997 for between $3 and $15. |
Product
IKEA Stuffed Animals
Description
WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), IKEA of Plymouth Meeting, Pa., is recalling about 8,000 stuffed animals. The stuffed animals' eyes can become detached, presenting a choking hazard to young children.CPSC and IKEA are not aware of any injuries involving these stuffed animals. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury.There are 12 types of stuffed animals involved in this recall: a large penguin (model no. 97210280), a moose (model no. 27217770), a bear (model no. 97192870), a dolphin neckpillow and a bear neckpillow (both with model no. 29311596), a large cat (model no. 37211230), a small cat (model no. 17211330), and a dog, a monkey, a cow, a small penguin, and a hippopotamus (all with model no. 27204796). The stuffed animals have sewn-on tags that display the model number and are also labeled in part, "IKEA...Made in India."IKEA stores nationwide sold the stuffed animals from January 1997 through May 1997 for between $3 and $15.Consumers should take these stuffed animals away from young children immediately and return them to the nearest IKEA store for a full refund or exchange for another soft toy. For more information about this recall, consumers should call IKEA at (800) 455-IKEA between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. EDT Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. EDT Sunday.
Hazard
The stuffed animals' eyes can become detached, presenting a choking hazard to young children.
Incidents & Injuries
CPSC and IKEA are not aware of any injuries involving these stuffed animals. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury.
Remedy Instructions
Consumers should take these stuffed animals away from young children immediately and return them to the nearest IKEA store for a full refund or exchange for another soft toy.
What Should You Do?
Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Refund at no charge. If you experienced an injury, report it at SaferProducts.gov.
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 (Refund) 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.