CPSC Recall in 2004: CPSC, Meijer Announce Recall of Children's Sweatshirts with Drawstring Hoods

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Meijer Distribution Inc., of Grand Rapids, Mich., is voluntarily recalling about 18,655 Children's Sweatshirts. The sweatshirts have drawstrings in the hood. Children can get entangled and strangle in the drawstrings that can catch on playground equipment, fences or tree branches.Name of product: Children's SweatshirtsUnits: 18,655Manufacturer: Meijer Distribution Inc., of Grand Rapids, Mich.Hazard: The sweatshirts have drawstrings in the hood. Children can get entangled and strangle in the drawstrings that can catch on playground equipment, fences or tree branches. In February 1996, the CPSC issued guidelines to help prevent children from strangling or getting entangled on the neck and waist drawstrings of upper garments, such as jackets and sweatshirts. From January 1985 through January 1999, CPSC received reports of 22 deaths and 48 non-fatal incidents involving the entanglement of children's clothing drawstrings.Incidents/Injuries: No injuries or incidents have been reported.Description: The fleece sweatshirts were sold in children's sizes 4 - 18 under the brand name, "Emergency Exit." The sweatshirts were manufactured in a variety of colors including red, blue, grey and black. Each sweatshirt has an image on the chest of either, a tribal design, dragon, motocross or skateboarding pattern.Sold at: Meijer retail stores in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky and Illinois from August 2003 and January 2004 for between $20 and $22.Manufactured in: PakistanRemedy: Consumers can return the sweatshirts to Meijer retailers for a full refund or consumers can remove the drawstrings to eliminate the hazard.Consumer Contact: Call Meijer toll-free at (866) 280-8419 anytime or visit the firm's website at www.meijer.com.

The sweatshirts have drawstrings in the hood. Children can get entangled and strangle in the drawstrings that can catch on playground equipment, fences or tree branches. In February 1996, the CPSC issued guidelines to help prevent children from strangling or getting entangled on the neck and waist drawstrings of upper garments, such as jackets and sweatshirts. From January 1985 through January 1999, CPSC received reports of 22 deaths and 48 non-fatal incidents involving the entanglement of children's clothing drawstrings.

Refund, Repair

No injuries or incidents have been reported.

Meijer retail stores in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky and Illinois from August 2003 and January 2004 for between $20 and $22.

Pakistan