Recall: Relais Branch Sweaters Recall by Melcon Design

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	CONTACT: Ken Giles
March 24, 1997	(301) 504-7052
Release # 97-086

CPSC and Melcon Design LLC Announce Recall of Flammable Sweaters

WASHINGTON D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Melcon Design LLC of NewYork, N.Y., is recalling over 1,900 long-haired chenille sweaters for women sold under the brand name "RELAIS." The fabric, which fails to meet federal mandatory standards of fabric flammability, may ignite readily and presents aserious risk of burn injuries in violation of the federal Flammable Fabrics Act. Fabrics that do not comply with the standard typically burn faster than newspaper.

CPSC and Melcon Design LLC are not aware of anyinjuries involving these sweaters.

This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury.

The long-haired chenille sweaters are labeled "RELAIS"at the neck and "100% RAYON...DRY CLEAN ONLY...MADE IN U.S.A." at the lower part of a side seam. The sweaters comein four styles: crop crew, fitted cardigan (with collar), fitted polo (with collar and short front opening), and turtleneck tunic. The sweaters come in a variety of sizes and also a variety of colors, including black, brown, gray, blue, green, pink, and off-white.

The sweaters were sold from November 1996 through January 1997 for about $80 to $150. Nordstrom sold the sweaters in their West Coast, Texas, Chicago, and Washington metropolitan area stores, and nationwide about 100 smallretailers sold the sweaters.

Consumers should immediately stop wearing these sweaters and return them to the store where purchased for a full refund or credit. For additional information about this recall, consumers should call Melcon Design LLC at212-349-9059 or CPSC's toll-free hotline at (800) 638-2772.

This recall does not extend to other "RELAIS" brand chenille sweaters.