CPSC recall 00-058, announced January 27, 2000, covers Pokémon balls distributed with Burger King kids meals (more than 25 million units). The balls pose a suffocation hazard to children under three years of age. Consumers should immediately take the balls away from children under the age of three. Recall contact: call 305-378-3535.
Compare the model on your label, then check any serial numbers, date codes, and exclusions in the notice. A model match alone does not confirm that your unit is included.
The CPSC data does not provide a discrete model-number list for this record. Compare the product description and identification details on the official notice.
Which products are included?
Pokémon balls are plastic, ball-shaped containers between 2.75 and 3 inches in diameter. They pull apart to reveal one of 57 different Pokémon toys inside. The balls were distributed in a variety of colors including red and white, and hot pink. Packaging described them as safety tested and recommended for all ages of children.
Confirm these details on the official CPSC noticeWhy it was recalled
The balls pose a suffocation hazard to children under three years of age.
Incidents and injuries
On January 25, 2000, a 4-month-old boy in Indianapolis, Ind., reportedly suffocated when one-half of a Pokémon ball that was in his crib became stuck on his face. In December, a 13-month-old girl reportedly suffocated when one-half of a Pokémon ball covered her nose and mouth. Also in December, an 18-month-old girl nearly suffocated when a ball-half got stuck over her face. On the second attempt, the girl's father was able to pull the ball-half from her face.
Official remedy
Consumers should immediately take the balls away from children under the age of three. They should discard the ball or return both halves of the ball and the clip to a Burger King restaurant for a free order of small fries. Children can continue to use the Pokémon toy that came inside the ball.
Product and sales details
- Brand
- Burger King
- Product type
- Toys & play sets
- Recall number
- 00-058
- Units
- More than 25 million
- Sold at / sales period
- Burger King restaurants nationwide distributed the Pokémon balls inside Burger King big kids meals and regular kids meals from early November through December 1999.
- Distributor
- Burger King Corporation
Pokémon balls distributed with Burger King kids meals
CPSC product type: Toy Balls
Recall contact information
Burger King's Consumer Relations phone number is 305-378-3535, which operates Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. east coast time.
Verify phone numbers, hours, and websites on the current CPSC notice before contacting the firm.
Know someone who has one?
Recalls only work when owners hear about them. Send this notice to family or friends who might own the same product.
