On March 27, 2008, Avon Products Inc. recalled about 113,000 of its Cozy Warming Polar Bears after receiving six reports of minor burns from consumers. The recalled Avon bears, which are a fire/burn hazard, also have 41 reports of overheating.

The recalled Avon bear is a white plush warming bear with a red hat and brown nose. It comes with a buckwheat-filled pouch that?s heated in a microwave oven and is inserted into an opening in the bear?s belly. ?Avon Products? is printed on a white tag sewn into the bear, which is about 17 inches long.

The warming pouch included with the Cozy Warming Polar Bears is placed into a microwave oven, where it can overheat and ignite, presenting a fire/burn hazard to consumers.

Independent sales representatives for Avon sold the recalled bears, as did the company?s Website, avon.com, from July 2007 through February 2008 for about $13. The bear was also sold as part of a gift set that cost about $100.

Consumers who own a recalled Avon Cozy Warming Polar Bear should immediately stop using it and return the warming pouch for a full refund. For more information, customers may contact Avon at 877-217-0916, or visit the company?s website.

Source: ?Avon products recalls plush warming polar bears due to fire and burn hazards,? US Consumer Product Safety Commission Release #08-554, March 27, 2008.