The Recall Desk
Our severity:HighCPSC·03134·Announced 2003-05-28

Starbucks Recalls Bearista Bear Tumbler Cups Due to Choking Hazard

Starbucks is recalling 30,000 Bearista Bear tumbler cups because flexible straws can break off and pose a choking hazard to young children.

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 3/5 (High).

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 to young children, which is a risk-of-harm product where injury has not yet been reported, fitting the 'High' severity criteria.

Plain-English summary

Starbucks Coffee Co. is recalling approximately 30,000 Bearista™ Bear tumbler cups sold in the United States, Canada, and Taiwan. The translucent plastic cups, available in blue and green, feature a screw-on lid with a soft flexible straw. The recall was initiated because small pieces of plastic can detach from the straw when chewed, creating a choking risk for young children.

Starbucks received two reports of straw pieces detaching in children's mouths. While no injuries were reported, one incident involved a child choking on a detached piece, requiring a parent to administer the Heimlich Maneuver to remove it. The cups were sold at Starbucks stores from April 2003 through May 2003 for approximately $7.

Parents and caregivers should stop young children from using these cups immediately. Consumers can return the cups to any Starbucks location for a refund and a free beverage of any size. For more information, contact Starbucks Customer Relations at (800) 235-2883 or visit Starbucks.com.

The recalled product

Product
Starbucks Bearista™ Bear tumbler cups
Category
Consumer Product — Children's Drinkware
Hazard
Affected units
30,000

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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