Build-a-Bear Teddy Bear Recall: Choking Hazard

Almost 300,000 Build-A-Bear Colorful Hearts teddy bears have been recalled due to a risk that the eyes may pop out, posing a serious choking hazard for children. 

The Build-A-Bear recall was announced last week by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) after it was discovered that the Colorful Hearts Teddy Bears eyes could come off. However, there have been no incidents or injuries reported in connection to the recalled Build-a-Bears.

According to Build-A-Bear Workshop Inc. the teddy bears were made with substandard fabric that can tear around the eyes, causing the eyes to come off. This poses a choking hazard to children, the CPSC has determined.

The recall affects about 284,000 Colorful Hearts Teddy Bears sold in the U.S. and 13,200 sold in Canada. The bears are about 16 inches high with black plastic eyes and covered in multi-colored heart shapes. The recalled teddy bears have a model number of 017107.

The Colorful Hearts teddy bears were sold at Build-a-Bear workshops nationwide and online at www.buildabear.com for $18 in the U.S. and $23 in Canada from April 2011 through December 2011.

The manufacturer and CPSC recommend that consumers stop using the recalled toys and take them away from children immediately. They can be returned to a Build-A-Bear Workshop store in exchange for a coupon or any toy animal from Build-A-Bear Workshop. Consumers with questions can call Build-A-Bear Workshop at (866) 236-5683 or visit the company’s website at www.buildabear.com.