Stuffed Teddy Bear With Small Parts and Sharp Points

The Consumer Product Safety Commission today announced that a brown 7 inch tall stuffed plush sitting teddy bear distributed by C.M. Paula Company, Cincinnati, Ohio is a banned toy. The teddy bear may present a choking and laceration or puncture hazard because of small parts and sharp points.

Red flowers of plastic and fabric attached to wire stems, and a red ribbon are attached to the torso of the bear. There may also be a message such as "I love you" on a paper tag also attached to the torso. The bears can be further identified by a label on the bottom of the bear which includes the statement "Made in Korea for the C.M. Paula Company, Cincinnati, Ohio."

When the Consumer Product Safety Commission subjected the bears to use and abuse testing the flowers, which are small parts, became detached and the sharp ends of the wire stems were exposed. Consumers who bought these teddy bears for children should immediately remove and discard the flowers and wires to eliminate the choking, puncture and laceration hazards. Retailers should do the same to any of these C.M. Paula teddy bears they have in stock. Annually, approximately 15,000 to 20,000 of these teddy bears are distributed nationwide by C.M. Paula. The bears sell at retail for approximately $8.00. The Consumer Product Safety Commission is not aware of any injuries involving these bears. To report unsafe consumer products or to receive safety information, call CPSC's toll-free hotline at 800-638-CPSC. A teletypewriter number for the hearing-impaired is (301) 595-7054.

Consumers who bought these teddy bears for children should immediately remove and discard the flowers and wires to eliminate the choking, puncture and laceration hazards.

When the Consumer Product Safety Commission subjected the bears to use and abuse testing the flowers, which are small parts, became detached and the sharp ends of the wire stems were exposed.