Equity Marketing, Inc. (Nasdaq: EMAK) issued on December 28 the following statement regarding Burger King Corporation’s voluntary recall of Pokemon balls included with Burger King kids meals.

“Last night, Burger King Corporation announced a voluntary recall of the Pokemon balls included with Burger King kids meals. It was reported that the ball could be a potential suffocation hazard for children under three years of age.

“Equity Marketing designed and manufactured 151 trading cards and 57 gift-with-purchase products based on Pokemon for Burger King Corporation. These custom promotional products met or exceeded strict federal safety guidelines and underwent rigorous safety testing by an independent, third party laboratory during and after production.

“The incident involving the 13-month old is still under investigation. Product safety is a top priority, and we are taking the reports very seriously. Since its inception, Equity Marketing has produced more than one billion products without similar incidents.

“Management believes that the recall will not result in any material financial impact on Equity Marketing’s 1999 and 2000 results of operations and financial position. Accordingly, management remains comfortable with the investment community’s earnings estimates for the fourth quarter of 1999 and 2000. We are proud of our 14-year relationship with Burger King Corporation and look forward to working with them on current and future programs.”

Richard Taylor, vice president of marketing for Burger King Corporation, added that “Equity Marketing, Inc. and Burger King Corporation have a long-standing, productive relationship.They remain a valued partner and we look forward to working together in the future.”