Burger King Recalls Pokemon Plastic Balls

Brandweek, Jan 3, 2000

MIAMI-Burger King issued a voluntary recall on 25 million plastic balls that contain Pokemon toys as part of the hugely popular movie tie-in following two hazardous incidence reports. The balls which contain one of 57 Pokemon toys and playing cards, can open and could pose a threat when placed over noses and mouths.

A still pending investigation cited the open toy as the cause of suffocation of a 13-month-old girl when it covered her mouth and nose, A second report cited a ball as the cause of distress to an 18-monthold girl who was panicked but uninjured. BK issued the recall last week and said it would only issue the containers in Burger King Big Kids meals, no longer issuing them in regular kids meals which are intended for younger customers. BK will issue a free small order of french fries to families who return the container to restaurants.