The Recall Desk
HighCPSC·03070·Announced 2003-01-16

Build-A-Bear Workshop Recalls Founding Bear Stuffed Toys Due to Choking Hazard

Build-A-Bear Workshop is recalling about 80,000 Founding Bear stuffed bears because the nose can detach, posing a choking hazard to young children.

What this means for you

Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a choking hazard for young children, which is a risk-of-harm product where injury has not yet been reported, fitting the criteria for a High severity score.

Plain-English summary

Build-A-Bear Workshop is recalling approximately 80,000 "Founding Bear" and "Founding Bear II" stuffed bears. The recall is being conducted because the nose of the stuffed bear can be pulled or twisted off, which poses a choking hazard to young children. The bears are chocolate brown with cream-colored paws and snouts, and "OUR FOUNDING BEAR" is written on a cardboard tag originally attached to the bear's ear.

These stuffed bears were sold nationwide in Build-A-Bear Workshop stores and on the company's website between March 2000 and December 2002 for between $22 and $25. The "Founding Bear" is about 19 inches long, while the "Founding Bear II" is about 18 inches long. Build-A-Bear Workshop has not received any reports of injuries resulting from these stuffed bears, and the recall is being conducted to prevent possible injuries.

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 can return the stuffed bears to any Build-A-Bear Workshop store or contact the firm for instructions on mailing the bear. For more information, consumers can 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.

The recalled product

Product
Build-A-Bear Workshop "Founding Bear" stuffed bears
Category
Consumer Product — Stuffed Animals
Hazard
Affected units
80,000

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Related recalls

Same hazard · choking

See all →