The Recall Desk
HighCPSC·08554·Announced 2008-03-27

Avon Recalls Cozy Warming Polar Bears Due to Fire and Burn Hazards

Avon is recalling Cozy Warming Polar Bears because the internal heating pouch can overheat and ignite in a microwave, posing fire and burn risks.

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 fire and burn hazard with reported minor burns, fitting the 'High' severity criteria for risk-of-harm products where injury has been reported but is not severe or fatal.

Plain-English summary

Avon Products is recalling approximately 113,000 Cozy Warming Polar Bears due to fire and burn hazards. The recalled white plush bears, which feature a red hat and brown nose, are about 17 inches long and include a buckwheat-filled pouch intended to be heated in a microwave oven and inserted into the bear's belly. The product was manufactured by Haiyan Boai Gifts Factory and Yangzhou Honesty Arts & Crafts Co. Ltd. in China.

The warming pouch inside the bear can overheat and ignite when heated in a microwave oven. Avon has received 41 reports of the warming polar bear overheating, including six reports of minor burns. The bears were sold by Avon independent sales representatives and at www.avon.com from July 2007 through February 2008 for about $13 when sold alone, or as part of a gift set that sold for about $100.

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled warming bear and return the buckwheat-filled pouch for a full refund. Avon is directly contacting consumers who purchased the warming bear. For additional information, consumers can contact Avon toll-free at (877) 217-0916 or visit www.avon.com.

The recalled product

Product
Cozy Warming Polar Bears
Affected units
113,000

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.