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CPSC recall · Reported January 16, 2003

CPSC, Build-A-Bear Workshop Announce Recall of "Founding Bear" Stuffed Bears

The nose of the stuffed bear can be pulled or twisted off, posing a choking hazard to a young child.

Recall #
03070
Affected scope
About 80,000
Compiled from official public sources by the editorial team.
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Build-A-Bear Workshop, of St. Louis, Mo. recalled The recall includes the "Founding Bear," and the "Founding Bear II." The "Founding Bear" … - a moderate-severity action.

CPSC, Build-A-Bear Workshop Announce Recall of "Founding Bear" Stuffed Bears was recalled by Build-A-Bear Workshop, of St. Louis, Mo. in January 16, 2003. Reason: The nose of the stuffed bear can be pulled or twisted off, posing a choking hazard to a young child.. Remedy: Consumers should take these stuffed bears away from young children immediately. Build-A-B…. Verify recall #03070 with the CPSC before acting.

The recall

Build-A-Bear Workshop, of St. Louis, Mo. issued this moderate-severity CPSC recall-The nose of the stuffed bear can be pulled or twisted off, posing a choking hazard to a young child..

Moderate
severity level
January 16, 2003
reported

Sourced from official CPSC enforcement records. Verify recall #03070 with the agency before acting. Full product description, hazard, remedy, and related recalls are below.

Recall Insight

This CPSC action (record #03070) was formally reported on January 16, 2003. It is classified under Moderate severity, with a current status of Active. Build-A-Bear Workshop, of St. Louis, Mo. is listed as the recalling firm. Federal records list the affected scope as About 80,000.

The documented reason for this recall is: The nose of the stuffed bear can be pulled or twisted off, posing a choking hazard to a young child. Distribution information was not included in the agency filing, so consumers should assume broad potential exposure until the firm publishes point-of-sale details. The remedy documented by the agency is: Consumers should take these stuffed bears away from young children immediately. Build-A-Bear Workshop will exchange the bear for any other item they sell of equal value or provide a Build-A-Bear Work… - consumers holding this product should act on that instruction rather than relying on general guidance.

Within the same product category the archive holds 6 closely related recalls, 6 from CPSC - clustering in a narrow category often points to a systemic quality-control or supplier issue rather than a one-off defect. Always verify the recall number against the official agency record before acting.

Children & Baby Products recalls over time

Where this recall sits in its category - 3,731 children & baby products recalls on record

0100200300400500600 20052008201120142017202020232026 146
Severity2487872426High severity (most serious)Moderate severityLow severity
Where this recall sits in the database

Of 101,704 recalls in the database, 24,878 are high severity, 72,426 moderate, and 4,400 low. This recall is classified moderate severity.

Counts reflect market size and reporting activity, not inherent danger, we do not rank products by risk from raw recall volume.

Severity

Moderate

Affected scope

About 80,000

Related Recalls

6

6 from same agency

Product description

The recall includes the "Founding Bear," and the "Founding Bear II." The "Founding Bear" is about 19 inches long, and the "Founding Bear II" is about 18 inches long. Both stuffed bears are chocolate brown and have cream-colored paws and snout. "OUR FOUNDING BEAR" is written on a cardboard tag that was originally attached to the bear's ear.

Reason for recall

The nose of the stuffed bear can be pulled or twisted off, posing a choking hazard to a young child.

Remedy, what to do

Consumers should take these stuffed bears away from young children immediately. Build-A-Bear Workshop will exchange the bear for any other item they sell of equal value or provide a Build-A-Bear Workshop gift card. Consumers should return the stuffed bears to any Build-A-Bear Workshop store or contact the firm for instructions on mailing the bear.

Recall Profile

Structured summary of the CPSC recall record
Attribute Value
Agency U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Severity class Moderate
Status Active
Recall number 03070
Date reported January 16, 2003
Date initiated January 16, 2003
Recalling firm Build-A-Bear Workshop, of St. Louis, Mo.
Affected scope About 80,000
Distribution Not disclosed
Official source CPSC notice →

Profile values are sourced directly from the official CPSC enforcement record. Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

What to do with this recall

Consumers should take these stuffed bears away from young children immediately. Build-A-Bear Workshop will exchange the bear for …

  • Check the recall number (03070) and product description against the item you own. Search the archive
  • Confirm the current status and remedy on the official CPSC notice before acting. CPSC notice
  • Follow the documented remedy (refund, replacement, repair, or disposal) rather than general advice. What to do next

This page summarizes the official CPSC record for research and awareness; it is not legal, medical, or safety advice. Verify with the issuing agency before acting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What product was recalled?
The recall includes the "Founding Bear," and the "Founding Bear II." The "Founding Bear" is about 19 inches long, and the "Founding Bear II" is about 18 inches long. Both stuffed bears are chocolate brown and have cream-colored paws and snout. "OUR FOUNDING BEAR" is written on a cardboard tag that was originally attached to the bear's ear.. Recalled by Build-A-Bear Workshop, of St. Louis, Mo.. Units affected: About 80,000.
Why was this product recalled?
The nose of the stuffed bear can be pulled or twisted off, posing a choking hazard to a young child.
What should consumers do?
Consumers should take these stuffed bears away from young children immediately. Build-A-Bear Workshop will exchange the bear for any other item they sell of equal value or provide a Build-A-Bear Workshop gift card. Consumers should return the stuffed bears to any Build-A-Bear Workshop store or contact the firm for instructions on mailing the bear.
Which agency issued this recall?
This recall was issued by the CPSC on January 16, 2003. Severity: Moderate. Recall number: 03070.
How do I check if my product is affected by a recall?
Check the product description and recall number (03070) against your product. Visit the official CPSC website for the most current information. You can also use our Recall Checker tool to search by product name or brand.
How do I report an injury from a recalled product?
Report injuries to the issuing agency: CPSC at SaferProducts.gov, NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem, or FDA via MedWatch. Document the product (photos, model/serial numbers, purchase receipts) and seek medical attention. Injury reports help agencies track hazard patterns and may strengthen enforcement actions.

Nearby Recalls in This Category

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Every figure on PlainRecalls is rendered directly from official FDA, CPSC and NHTSA recall records, no number is typed in by an editor. This recall: CPSC, reported January 16, 2003. Severity classes follow each agency's own taxonomy (FDA Class I/II/III; CPSC and NHTSA by hazard type), and related-recall context is computed across the full archive. See our editorial standards & corrections policy, the methodology behind these numbers, or report a data error. Data current as of July 2026.