Children’s Hooded Jackets with Drawstrings Recalled by R&D International Due to Strangulation Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Young Colors Children’s Hooded Jackets

Units: About 1,500

Importer: R&D International Inc., of Salida, Colo.

Hazard: The jackets have drawstrings through the hood and at the waist. Children can get entangled in the drawstrings that can catch on playground equipment, fences or tree branches. In February 1996, CPSC issued guidelines (pdf) to help prevent children from strangling or getting entangled on the neck and waist drawstring in upper garments, such as jackets and sweatshirts. From 1985 through June 2008, CPSC received reports of 27 deaths and 70 non-fatal incidents involving the entanglement of children’s clothing drawstrings.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: The cotton knit and woven hooded jackets have a drawstring through the hood and waist. They were sold in sizes 12 months through size 10 in a variety of solid colors and prints. “Young Colors” is sewn into the jacket tag located at the neck.

Sold at: Specialty children’s stores nationwide from April 2004 through September 2007 for about $45.

Manufactured in: Peru and Indonesia

Remedy: Consumers should immediately remove the drawstrings from the jacket to eliminate the safety hazard.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact R&D International Inc. collect at (719) 539-3812 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. MT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site www.youngcolors.com