Avon Products Recalls Plush Warming Polar Bears Due to Fire and Burn Hazards

The following product safety recall was voluntarily conducted by the firm in cooperation with the CPSC. Consumers should stop using the product immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Cozy Warming Polar Bears

Units: About 113,000

Distributor: Avon Products Inc., of New York, N.Y.

Manufacturers: Haiyan Boai Gifts Factory, and Yangzhou Honesty Arts & Crafts Co. Ltd., of China

Hazard: The warming pouch inside the bear can overheat and ignite when heated in a microwave oven, posing a fire and burn hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: Avon has received 41 reports of the warming polar bear overheating, including six reports of minor burns.

Description: 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.

Sold exclusively 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.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled warming bear and return the buckwheat-filled pouch for a full refund. Avon is directly contacting consumers who purchased the warming bear.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Avon toll-free at (877) 217-0916 between 6 a.m. and midnight ET Monday through Saturday, and on Sunday between 12 p.m. and midnight ET, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.avon.com