SafetyScored
All recalls
Entrapment / StrangulationDecember 27, 1999CPSC #00046

CPSC, Burger King Corporation Announce Voluntary Recall of Pokemon Ball

Product
Toys & Games
Units affected
25
Remedy
contact manufacturer

What was recalled

The Pokemon balls are plastic ball-shaped containers between 2" and 3" in diameter. They pull apart to reveal one of 57 different Pokemon 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.

Hazard

The balls may pose a suffocation hazard to children under three years of age. Pokemon balls are the ball-shaped plastic containers that hold Pokemon toys in Burger King kids meals. Either half of the Pokemon ball can become stuck on a child's face, covering the nose and mouth and may cause suffocation of a child under three years of age.

Injuries

A 13-month-old girl reportedly suffocated when one-half of a Pokemon ball covered her nose and mouth. An 18-month-old girl reportedly also had a ball-half stuck over her face, causing her distress. However, the girl's father (on the second attempt) pulled the ball-half from her face.

Where it was sold

  • Burger King restaurants nationwide distributed the Pokemon balls inside Burger King Kids Club Meals and regular kids meals from early November through December, 1999.

Photos

Pokemon Balls
View official CPSC recall

Shopping for a replacement? Safer certified picks

If your item was recalled, these brands hold independent safety certifications and have no recall on record.

Avocado Green Mattress logo

Avocado Green Mattress

GOTSGREENGUARD GoldOEKO-TEX

Certified organic latex, wool, and cotton — no fiberglass.

Check price
PlushBeds logo

PlushBeds

GREENGUARD GoldGOTSOEKO-TEX

Natural latex, multiple whole-product certifications.

Check price
Naturepedic logo

Naturepedic

GOTSGREENGUARD Gold

Organic non-toxic crib and adult mattresses.

Check price
My Green Mattress logo

My Green Mattress

GOTSGREENGUARD Gold

Family-run, certified organic, fiberglass-free.

Check price

Certifications shown are editorial references — verify current status with the brand. Some links are affiliate links; we may earn a commission at no cost to you. See our disclosure.

Other entrapment / strangulation recalls