NEWS from CPSC

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Link & Pan Of Texas Inc. And CPSC Recall Stuffed Bears

Washington, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Link & Pan of Texas Inc. of Houston, Texas, is voluntarily recalling more than 4,000 stuffed toy bears. During CPSC testing, the bears' noses and eyes came off presenting a potential choking hazard to young children.

Three styles of stuffed bears, all labeled with a "MADE IN CHINA" sewn-on tag on the bottom, are included in this recall: a white bear, a black and white panda bear, and a white bear with two red ears, two blue paws, and two neon yellow paws. The white bear and the black and white panda bear are wearing red sweaters with raised lettering that says "I Love You." The bear with the blue and yellow paws does not wear a sweater. All three bears, measuring 11 inches tall from their permanent sitting position, have black plastic noses and brown/black plastic eyes.

The bears were distributed throughout the United States as premiums/prizes between June and August 1994 by three traveling carnivals: The Brass Show and The Hildebrand Show, headquartered in Florida, and the Crabtree Show, headquartered in Texas.

Consumers are urged to take the stuffed bears away from young children immediately and call Link & Pan of Texas for a self-addressed, postage-paid envelope in which to return the toy for an exchange of a similar item. For more information about this recall and to obtain a self- addressed, postage-paid envelope for returning the bears, call Link & Pan of Texas Inc. at (800) 528-8259.

Neither CPSC nor Link & Pan of Texas is aware of any injuries involving these stuffed bears.