Heartline Recalls Kensington Bear

WASHINGTON, DC. -- Heartline, a division of Graphics International, Inc., Kansas City, MO is recalling the "Kensington Bear," Model S7417. The 14-inch stuffed bear, sold in gift and other speciality stores, may pose a potential choking hazard for children under age three because of heart-shaped buttons which may detach from the bear's dress. There have been no reports of injury.

The brown bear, part of the Kensington Bear collection, is wearing a maroon print dress with white lace bloomers and a straw hat with a pink bow. Three heart-shaped buttons are sewn on the front of the bear's dress. Pink and blue ribbon also trims the bottom of the dress. There is no stock number attached to the bear. The hang tag attached to the product reads "The Kensington Bears".

If consumers wish to keep the bear, they can eliminate the potential hazard by removing and disposing of the buttons. Consumers who want to return the bear to Heartline for a full refund may call toll-free 1-800-821-7200 to receive a return mailing label or request additional information about this recall.

Approximately 1,800 bears have been sold to retailers Nationwide since January 1988.