Avon Products Recalls Plush Warming Polar Bears Due to Fire and Burn Hazards
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.
Date: | March 27 2008 |
Name of Products: | Cozy Warming Polar Bears |
Units: | About 113,000 |
Manufacturer: | Distributed by Avon Products Inc., of New York, N.Y. Manufacturers: Haiyan Boai Gifts Factory, and Yangzhou Honesty Arts & Crafts Co. Ltd., of China |
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. |
Incidents/Injuries: | Avon has received 41 reports of the warming polar bear overheating, including six reports of minor burns. |
Description: | 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. |
Sold at: | Sold exclusively 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. |
Manufactured in: | China |
Remedy: | 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. |
Consumer Contact: | Avon |