Third Build-A-Bear Recall in a Year Raises Defective Product Safety Questions

Build-A-Bear Workshop is a popular place for parents and their children to spend time together. But the company has issued three separate product recalls in the past twelve months, raising concerns about all product safety.

The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) aided in spreading the word about the most recent recall of 300,000 “Colorful Hearts” teddy bears sold between April and December 2011. The Huffington Post states the recall is related to the choking danger posed by the bears' eyes, though no injuries have been reported. The issue was allegedly discovered during ongoing safety and quality inspections.

In August, 26,500 “Love Hugs Peace Lapel Pins” were recalled due to the use of excessive lead-based paint in their manufacture. Perhaps more disturbing is Build-A-Bear's $6000 fine for failing to report another safety issue, this one associated with toy beach chairs sold from 2001-2009. The chairs had the potential to pinch, cut, or even amputate fingers if the fingers were caught in the frame as the chair was folded. Ten injuries caused by these chairs were reported between July 2007 and January 2009. The company did not report the issue until March 2009, resulting in the penalty.

With so many recalled products in the past year, consumer advocates question the company's management and policies. Ed Mierzwinski of the National Association of State Public Interest Research Groups suggests, “they really need to review their management and their risk analysis to make sure they are in compliance with the law to protect children.”