Stuffed Bears

CPSC Recall #01-205 — July 22, 2001

Recall Summary

Recall Number01-205
Recall DateJuly 22, 2001
Remedy TypeRefund
Units AffectedAbout 2,600
Manufactured InPeru

Where It Was Sold

Stores in tourist areas throughout Arizona
California
Colorado
Montana
Nebraska
Oklahoma
and Texas sold the bears from July 1997 through February 2001 for between $20 to $50.

Product

Stuffed Bears

Description

WASHINGTON, D.C.- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Inca Imports, of Denver, Colo., is voluntarily recalling about 2,600 stuffed bears. The noses, bells, and eyes of the bears can detach, presenting a choking hazard to young children. The eyes also present a sharp point hazard.CPSC and Inca Imports have not received any reports of injuries. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injuries.The recalled bears come in three sizes: small (8 1/2"), medium (12") and large (17"). The recalled bears have plastic eyes and noses, and red ribbon bows with bells. They are made of alpaca fur. The bears have a small sticker on the back side of the ribbon which reads in part, "Made in Peru."Stores in tourist areas throughout Arizona, California, Colorado, Montana, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Texas sold the bears from July 1997 through February 2001 for between $20 to $50.Consumers should take these stuffed bears away from young children immediately and return them to the store where they were purchased for a full refund. Consumers also can call Inca Imports toll-free at (800) 279-4040 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. MT Monday through Friday or write to Don Donahue, Inca Imports 451 E. 58th Ave, P.O. Box 132, Denver, CO 80216.The U.S. Customs Service in Denver, Colo., notified CPSC of these stuffed bears during import screening at the port.

Hazard

The noses, bells, and eyes of the bears can detach, presenting a choking hazard to young children. The eyes also present a sharp point hazard.

Incidents & Injuries

CPSC and Inca Imports have not received any reports of injuries.

Remedy Instructions

Consumers should take these stuffed bears away from young children immediately and return them to the store where they were purchased for a full refund.

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.