Build-A-Bear issues urgent recall as customers told to ‘stop using’

A popular Build-A-Bear toy has been pulled from sale following the discovery of a safety risk. The well-known high street retailer offers a wide selection of stuffed animals, which can be personalised with accessories.

Its Heartwarming Hugs Bear 2 with Zipper Closure has been subject to a recall notice due to a choking hazard. The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has urged anyone with the bear to “stop using immediately”. The recalled product is described as a brown weighted plush bear featuring a zipped pouch containing a heart filled with ceramic beads.

The beads are designed to be heated or cooled. The OPSS said: “The product presents a risk of choking as it has been identified that the zipper on the bear’s pouch can detach, creating a small part.

“This poses a choking hazard to young children, who have a natural tendency to explore objects by placing them in their mouths. The product does not meet the requirements of the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011.”

The bear was on sale between January 21 and March 6 this year, with a model number of 434464.

Customers requiring further information may telephone 0800 037 9782 or send an email to ProductHotline@buildabear.com. Build-A-Bear has similarly issued an official recall notice concerning the plush bear.

It said: “Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled Heartwarming Hugs Bear and return it to a local Build-A-Bear Workshop store to receive a refund in the form of original payment or a gift card for the original purchase price redeemable toward any available Make-Your-Own furry friend or other available merchandise.”

Those unable to return the bear to a local store have been advised to visit www.buildabear.co.uk/recalls for further details or to call Build-A-Bear directly to arrange a refund.

The recall covers certain batches of the IKEA 365+ VÄRDEFULL Garlic press in black, following the discovery of a manufacturing defect during an internal company investigation.

IKEA has warned that “small metal pieces” may detach from the kitchen utensil during normal use and subsequently be consumed alongside food, presenting a potential safety risk to customers.

The affected garlic presses were sold globally, both in store and online, and carry the article number 601.636.02, date stamps include 2411 up to 2522 and has an IKEA logo marking on the upper handle. Anyone in possession of the garlic press is urged to stop using it immediately and contact IKEA to get a refund.