North American Bear Recalls Alice and Muffy VanderBear Toys for Choking Hazard

Plain-English summary

North American Bear Co., Inc. of Chicago, IL, is issuing a warning in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the New York State Attorney General's Office regarding two products in their VanderBear Family line. The affected items are the "Alice VanderBear in High Tea Outfit" (Style #4152) and the "Muffy VanderBear in Tree Trimming Outfit" (Style #7144). These plush bears have accessories that may separate from their outfits, presenting a small parts choking hazard to young children.

Approximately 3,500 Alice VanderBears were sold nationwide from January 1, 1989, to January 31, 1990, for $62.00 each. The bear stands 18 inches tall, has soft beige fur, and wears a pink and white print dress with a white collar and trim, along with a straw hat. The three buttons on the back of the dress and the pearl necklace around the neck may detach. Approximately 20,000 Muffy VanderBears were sold nationwide from July 1, 1989, to September 30, 1989, for $28.50 each. This 7-1/2 inch tall bear has soft beige fur and wears a red and white striped long-sleeved dress with red plastic shoes. A hard plastic gingerbread man in the apron pocket may come loose.

Neither the CPSC nor the company is aware of any injuries involving these plush bears. The warning is being announced to prevent the possibility of injury. Consumers are urged to remove the pearl necklace and buttons from Alice VanderBear, and to remove the gingerbread man from Muffy VanderBear, before giving these plush bears to children. Consumers with questions may contact North American Bear Co. at (312) 329-0020.

The recalled product

Product

Alice VanderBear toy bears in High Tea Outfit

Manufacturer

North American Bear

Category

Consumer Product — Toys

Hazard

• choking

Distribution

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