The CPSC has announced an Avon toy polar bear recall due to fire and burn hazards. The recalled toy bear are "Cozy Warming Polar Bears" distributed by Avon Products Inc., of New York, N.Y. The recall involves about 113,000 "Cozy Warming Polar Bears."

The warming pouch inside of the bear can overheat and ignite when heated in a microwave oven, posing a fire and burn hazard. Avon has received 41 reports of the warming polar bear overheating. 6 people have reported minor burns.

Here is a picture of the offending toy polar bear:

The "cozy" bear looks so innocent. Avon provided the following description of the recalled Avon polar bears:

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 recalled Avon polar bears were sold 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. The recalled Avon polar bears were sold in China.

According to the CPSC (U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission), consumers should immediately stop using the recalled warming bear and return the buckwheat-filled pouch for a full refund.

We published this recall as a public service only. We are not taking cases involving this product unless there are serious burn injuries.

Labels: Avon recall, burn injuries, toy polar bear recall