Avon Products Recalls Plush Warming Polar Bears Due to Fire and Burn Hazards
CPSC recall 08554 · announced March 27, 2008 · Haiyan Boai Gifts Factory · 113,000 units affected
The product
The recalled white plush warming bear has a red hat and brown nose. It is about 17 inches long and comes with a buckwheat-filled pouch that is heated in a microwave oven and is inserted into an opening in the bear's belly. "Avon Products" is printed on a white tag sewn onto the bear.
The hazard
The warming pouch inside the bear can overheat and ignite when heated in a microwave oven, posing a fire and burn hazard to consumers.
What to do (per CPSC)
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.
Notes
Incidents (per CPSC): Avon has received 41 reports of the warming polar bear overheating, including six reports of minor burns.
Sold at: 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.
Consumer contact: For additional information, contact Avon toll-free at (877) 217-0916 between 6 a.m. and midnight ET Monday through Saturday, and on Sunday between 12 p.m. and midnight ET, or visit the firm's Web site at www.avon.com
Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission public recall data. This page reports official records and is not legal, medical, or repair advice.