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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
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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" ….

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

None
agency class
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 recall's affected scope, documented in the Recall Profile below, stays within a single-region or limited-distribution footprint. Distribution information was not included in the agency filing, so consumers should assume broad potential exposure until the firm publishes point-of-sale details. Consumers holding this product should act on the agency's documented remedy above rather than relying on general guidance.

Within the same product category the archive holds 6 closely related recalls, 5 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 - 3,781 children & baby products recalls on record

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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 Not classified by agency
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. CPSC does not publish a hazard classification for this recall. Recall number: 03070.
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.

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This recall: CPSC, reported January 16, 2003. Severity classes follow each agency's own taxonomy; related-recall context is computed across the full archive.

Methodology · Corrections · Archive as of August 2026