CPSC product alert: Strangulation risk prompts recall of kid’s sweatshirts

2010-04-20 20:37:56 (GMT) (JusticeNewsFlash.com - Justice News Flash, Product liability)

CPSC Image: GJC International, in collaboration with the CPSC, has recalled hazardous children’s sweatshirts with drawstrings.

Legal News for Product Liability Attorneys. GJC International, in collaboration with the CPSC, has recalled hazardous children’s sweatshirts with drawstrings.

News for product liability attorneys: CPSC announced recall of sweatshirts with drawstrings due to the strangulation hazard they pose to children wearing them.

Plantation, FL—GJC International of Florida Inc., in cooperation with U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) http://www.cpsc.gov, has issued a voluntary recall of approximately 3,200 Niko’s SPORTSLINE children’s hooded sweatshirts with drawstrings due to the strangulation hazard they pose. The CPSC announced the product safety recall on Thursday, April 15, 2010.

Although no injuries or adverse incidents have been reported in connection with the recall, “The children’s jackets have drawstrings through the hood which pose a strangulation hazard to children. In February 1996, CPSC issued guidelines (which were incorporated into an industry voluntary standard in 1997) to help prevent children from strangling or getting entangled on the neck and waist drawstrings in upper garments, such as jackets and sweatshirts.”

The potentially dangerous children’s sweatshirts were manufactured in Pakistan and distributed by Sunrise, Florida-based Niko’s SPORTSLINE, a firm that is no longer in business. The recalled attire was sold in children’s stores, as well as souvenir and resort shops from June 2007 through January 2008 in Delaware, Florida, Louisiana, New Jersey, Maryland and Michigan. The sweatshirts cost approximately $8.

Consumers who purchased the recalled sweatshirts could chose from colors (styles) including mango, kiwi, rust, denim, pink, brown and periwinkle. Sizes ranged from 2T through 5T. “Niko’s SPORTSLINE” was printed on a tag on the back neck of the hooded sweatshirts.

Consumers have been urged to either remove the drawstrings as a means of eliminating a potential strangulation risk, or return the recalled garment to GJC International of Florida Inc. for a full reimbursement.

GJC International of Florida can be reached via collect call at (954) 581-4646 Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET.

Legal News Reporter: Sandra Quinlan- Legal News for Product Liability Lawyers.