Recall Radar

CPSC, Build-A-Bear Workshop Announce Recall of "Founding Bear" Stuffed Bears

Recall 03-070 · January 16, 2003

What to doConsumers should take these stuffed bears away from young children immediately. Build-A-Bear Workshop will exchange the bear for any other item they sell of equal value or provide a Build-A-Bear Workshop gift card. Consumers should return the stuffed bears to any Build-A-Bear Workshop store or contact the firm for instructions on mailing the bear.

Read the official CPSC notice

Recall at a glance

Recall number
03-070 (CPSC)
Recall date
January 16, 2003
Category
Toys and games
Products
Build-A-Bear Workshop "Founding Bear" stuffed bears
Hazard
Choking and ingestion hazard
Hazard type
Choking and ingestion
Units
About 80,000
Last updated by CPSC
May 15, 2025

What was recalled

The recall includes the "Founding Bear," and the "Founding Bear II." The "Founding Bear" is about 19 inches long, and the "Founding Bear II" is about 18 inches long. Both stuffed bears are chocolate brown and have cream-colored paws and snout. "OUR FOUNDING BEAR" is written on a cardboard tag that was originally attached to the bear's ear.

Is my product affected?

Compare your product with the details below, including model numbers where listed.

  • Build-A-Bear Workshop "Founding Bear" stuffed bears · About 80,000 units

Photos from the recall notice

Where it was sold

Companies named in the notice: Build-A-Bear Workshop stores and web site sold these stuffed bears nationwide, between March 2000 and December 2002, for between $22 and $25.; Build-A-Bear Workshop, of St. Louis, Mo..

Injuries or incidents reported

Build-A-Bear Workshop has not received any reports of injuries resulting from these stuffed bears. This recall is being conducted to prevent possible injuries.

Consumer contact

For more information, call Build-A-Bear Workshop toll-free at (866) 236- 5683 between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's website at www.buildabear.com

Recall history and context

Since 2019 CPSC has recorded 156 recalls in the toys and games category, 71 recalls of them in the past 12 months.

Frequently asked questions

What was recalled?

Build-A-Bear Workshop "Founding Bear" stuffed bears (About 80,000 units). " The "Founding Bear" is about 19 inches long, and the "Founding Bear II" is about 18 inches long.

Why was it recalled?

CPSC lists the reason as: Choking and ingestion hazard.

What should I do if I own one?

Consumers should take these stuffed bears away from young children immediately. Build-A-Bear Workshop will exchange the bear for any other item they sell of equal value or provide a Build-A-Bear Workshop gift card. Consumers should return the stuffed bears to any Build-A-Bear Workshop store or contact the firm for instructions on mailing the bear.

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Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recall data, shown as published and last updated by CPSC on May 15, 2025. Details can change; the official notice is the authority. If your product may be recalled, stop and read the notice before deciding what to do. Terms and disclaimer.