Hearth Record

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

Home product recall 03-070. Announced by CPSC on Jan 16, 2003.

CPSC’s own notice, on cpsc.gov

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The short answer

Announced by CPSC on Jan 16, 2003. Copied from CPSC on Oct 19, 2026.

Every line below is in CPSC’s own words, with its source beside it.

What’s wrong with it?

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

Source:

CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.

What should you 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.

Source:

CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.

  • How to reach the firm: For more information, call Build-A-Bear Workshop toll-free at (866) 236- 5683 between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s website at www.buildabear.com

Which ones are 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.

About 80,000 units, as CPSC gives them.

Build-A-Bear Workshop “Founding Bear” stuffed bears.

Source:

CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.

CPSC’s photos

CPSC shows 2 photos on its notice. Hearth Record doesn’t copy them; each opens on cpsc.gov.

Who made and sold it?

  • Distributed by Build-A-Bear Workshop, St. Louis, Mo.
  • Build-A-Bear Workshop stores and web site sold these stuffed bears nationwide, between March 2000 and December 2002, for between $22 and $25.
Source:

CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.

Was anyone hurt?

Build-A-Bear Workshop has not received any reports of injuries resulting from these stuffed bears. This recall is being conducted to prevent possible injuries.

Source:

CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.

What the record doesn’t say

  • The notice lists no UPCs, so check the model, the description and the photos.
  • The notice lists no model numbers in a field of their own; its description may give them.
  • How many have been returned or fixed isn’t in the notice.
Source:

Hearth Record wrote these lines.

Sources

  • U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Recalls API.

    Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily. Public domain (U.S. Government work). CPSC asks to be credited, and that no endorsement be implied.

Source:

Recalls of kids’ and home products are from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). CPSC does not endorse Hearth Record. Copied on Oct 19, 2026.

How to read a record

Four things every record does, shown on an example record made up for this guide.

An example record, made up for this guide

An example nursing home

Made up for this guide: no real place is shown

Not fully inspected in over two years (CMS flag)

11 health citations at the latest inspection cycle

The state average is 14.3.

Source:

CMS, State and US Averages and Health Deficiencies. Released Oct 8, 2026. Updated monthly.

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