Christmas Stocking Decorative Bear Recalled As Choking Hazard

WASHGTON D.C. -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Jerry Elsner Company, Bronx, New York is recalling a Christmas stocking decorated with a teddy bear. Two small bells on the front of the stocking can easily come off and may be a choking hazard to young children.

The stocking is 12 inches in length and made of red and white furry material. A brown stuffed teddy bear head wearing a red and white Santa hat is attached to the top of the stocking. On the front of the stocking thread to a green bow ribbon two metal bells are sewn with thread to a green bow ribbon.

About 4,400 of the teddy bear Christmas stockings were sold during the last Christmas season at retail stores nationwide for approximately $12.00. Neither the Jerry Elsner Company nor the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is aware of any injuries associated with the product.

Consumers should immediately take the stocking away from infants and return the product to the retailer where purchased for a full refund. Consumers may also contact Jerry Elsner Co. Inc., at 1-800-223-4119 for additional information.

The U.S. Customs Service identified the hazardous Christmas stockings at the Port of Newark, New Jersey during "Operation Toyland," a joint surveillance program with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.