North American Bear Company Issues Warning About Choking Hazard

WASHINGTON, DC -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), and the New York State Attorney General's Office, North American Bear Co., Inc. of Chicago, IL is issuing a warning to purchasers of two products in their VanderBear Family line. "Alice VanderBear in High Tea Outfit" (Style #4152) and "Muffy VanderBear in Tree Trimming Outfit" (Style #7144) have accessories that may separate from their outfits and present a small parts choking hazard to young children.

Before giving these plush bears to children, consumers are urged to remove the pearl necklace and buttons from the dress on Alice VanderBear, and to remove the gingerbread man from the pocket of Muffy VanderBear.

Approximately 3,500 Alice VanderBears were sold nationwide from January 1, 1989 to January 31, 1990 for $62.00 each. The bear stands 18 inches tall and has soft beige fur. Alice is dressed in a pink and white print dress with a white collar and trim. She is also wearing a straw hat with black trim and a pink flower attached to the front. The three buttons on the back of her dress and the pearl necklace around her neck may detach producing small parts that could present a choking hazard to young children.

Approximately 20,000 Muffy VanderBears were sold nationwide from July 1, 1989 to September 30, 1989 for $28.50 each. The bear stands 7-1/2 inches tall and has soft beige fur. Muffy is dressed in a red and white stripped long-sleeved Christmas dress with large red plastic slip-on shoes.

She is also wearing a red and white apron which has a hard plastic gingerbread man in the pocket that may come loose presenting a choking hazard to children.

Neither the CPSC nor the company is aware of any injuries involving these plush bears. This warning is being announced to prevent the possibility of injury.

CPSC learned about Alice VanderBear and Muffy VanderBear from the Empire State Consumer Association and the U.S. Public Interest Research Group this past holiday season.

Consumers who have questions about this warning may contact the North American Bear Co. at (312) 329-0020.