Buzzy Bee Pull Along Toy Voluntary Product Recall

Buzzy Bee Pull Along Toy Voluntary Product Recall

Buzzy Bee brand owner Lion Rock Ventures Limited, in conjunction with its New Zealand wooden toy licensee Brand Protocole Limited, has decided to instigate a voluntary product recall of four batches of the traditional Buzzy Bee pull-along toy manufactured during 2015.

The four batches can be identified by a stamp on the underside of the bee as shown below.

Lion Rock was notified by a customer in late December 2015 of a defect with a Buzzy Bee Pull Along Toy. The back wheel had come loose and as such, could have represented a potential choking hazard.

While there have been no cases of injury or returned product to any major retailers, investigations throughout January 2016 by Brand Protocole have uncovered an “unadvised” change made by the manufacturer in the way the back wheel is inserted and glued into the body of the bee. The manufacturer has acknowledged this change was made and is conducting an internal investigation into the cause of the defect.

Additional testing throughout February 2016 has resulted in defects being found in two batches. However, with product safety being paramount, Lion Rock and Brand Protocole have elected to proactively instigate a recall of all four batches.

Retailers and consumers are being asked to immediately remove any product identified from the four affected batches from access by toddlers.

Replacement product that complies to the approved manufacturing process and meets full safety requirements will commence manufacture in March 2016, with replacement product expected to be available in late May 2016.

Consumers are being asked to register their details with Brand Protocole at buzzybee@bbrecall.co.nz – or on freephone - 0800BUZZEE – 0800289933 and direct contact will be made with consumers as soon as product replacement details are finalised by Brand Protocole.

Lion Rock and Brand Protocole deeply regret this inconvenience to customers but with product safety being their priority, both companies consider this precautionary measure is very appropriate.

Buzzy Bee has been sourced from the same manufacturer for over 27 years (1989) and while inconsequential product quality issues arise from time to time, this is the first instance where a product quality issue has given rise to a material safety concern.

“Lion Rock and Brand Protocole appreciate the huge public support and love for Buzzy Bee and will always strive to ensure he does us all proud for many generations to come,” said a company spokesperson.

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