Two more recalls of children’s jackets with dangerous drawstrings have been implemented, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) just announced. In both cases, the recalls were initiated because the children’s jackets have drawstrings through the hood, which can pose a strangulation hazard to children. To date, no incidents or injuries have been reported in either case.
GTM Sportswear Inc Children’s Jackets with Drawstrings
About 210,000 Children’s Jackets with Drawstrings, which were manufactured in China by, and imported by, GTM Sportswear Inc., of Manhattan, Kansas are being recalled. This large recall involves children’s hooded nylon jackets in sizes XXS-XL (2T-16) and in various colors. “GTM Sportswear” is printed on a label sewn in the neck of the garments. Styles include Youth Medalist Jacket (YJA180), Youth Legacy Jacket (YJAPT01), Youth Eclipse Jacket (YLJA186), Youth Dominator Jacket (YJA3800), Youth Booster Jacket (YJA150), and Youth Achiever Jacket (YJA161).
The recalled Children’s Jacket’s with Drawstrings were sold at GTM Sportswear, K-State Super Store, and Cats Closet stores in Kansas; other customer screen print and embroidery stores nationwide; on the Web at www.gtmsportswear.com, www.kstategear.com, www.catscloset.com, and www.justforkix.com; and in GTM Sportswear and the Just for Kix catalogs from January 2003 through December 2009 for between $25 and $30.
The CPSC is advising consumers to immediately remove the drawstrings from the jackets to eliminate the hazard or return the jackets to their place of purchase or to GTM Sportswear for a full refund. GTM Sportswear can be reached at (800) 437-9560 between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Central Time, Monday through Friday, and on Saturday between 8:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., or at the firm’s Website at www.gtmsportswear.com
21 Pro USA Children’s Pullovers and Hoodies
About 7,200 21 Pro USA Children’s Pullovers and Hoodies, which were distributed by New Mode Sportswear, of Garden Grove, California were recalled. This recall involves children’s hooded pullover and zip hooded sweatshirts in sizes S-XL. They were sold in black, navy blue, and heather gray. Brand name “21 Pro USA” Sportswear and RN#92952 are printed on a label sewn into the neck of the sweatshirts. The recalled 21 Pro USA Children’s Pullovers and Hoodies, which were manufactured in China, were sold at various T-shirt outlets and swap meets on the West Coast from January 2006 through July 2006 for about $6.
The CPSC is advising consumers to immediately remove the drawstrings from the sweatshirts to eliminate the hazard or return the garments to the place of purchase or to New Mode Sportswear for a full refund. New Mode Sportswear can be reached toll-free at (888) 899-0888 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday through Friday, or at the firm’s Website at www.21prousa.com
In February 1996, the CPSC issued guidelines to help prevent children from strangling or becoming entangled on the neck and waist by drawstrings in upper garments, such as jackets and sweatshirts. In 1997, industry adopted a voluntary standard for drawstrings that incorporated the CPSC guidelines. In May 2006, the CPSC’s Office of Compliance issued an announcement that such outerwear with drawstrings at the hood or neck would be regarded as both defective and a substantial risk of injury to young children.
Unfortunately, the CPSC guidelines are routinely ignored by the clothing industry, and that attitude has had deadly consequences for some children. From January 1985 through January 1999, the CPSC received reports of 22 deaths and 48 non-fatal entanglement incidents involving drawstrings on children’s clothing.
