In Wake of Second Death, CPSC and Burger King Again Urge Consumers to Destroy and Discard Pokemon Balls
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recall (2000-01-27). Hazards: suffocation. About 25,000,000 units in the US.
| Agency | U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission |
|---|---|
| Recall number | 00058 |
| Published | 2000-01-27 |
| Last updated | 2000-01-27 |
| Product category | Toy Balls |
| Products | Pokémon balls distributed with Burger King kids meals |
| Firms | Burger King Corporation (distributor) |
| Units (US) | 25,000,000 |
| Hazard classes | suffocation |
| Remedy classes | dispose |
| Sold | Burger King restaurants nationwide distributed the Pokémon balls inside Burger King big kids meals and regular kids meals from early November through December 1999. |
Description
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.
Hazard
The balls pose a suffocation hazard to children under three years of age.
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.
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.
Machine access
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Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recall notice (US Government work). Not affiliated with or endorsed by CPSC. Structured by Data Foundry (product-recall-structuring@2); last changed 2026-09-28. Always confirm with the agency notice.