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CPSC and Target Announce Recall of Flammable Sweat Shirts

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Recall Date:
March 24, 1997

Recall Details

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

March 24, 1997

 

Release # 97-087


WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Target Stores of Minneapolis, Minn., is recalling about 106,000 fleece sweat shirts for men and boys sold under the brand name "UTILITY." The fabric, which fails to meet federal mandatory standards of fabric flammability, may ignite readily and presents a serious 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.

The fabric is a cotton-polyester blend material with a raised fiber surface. Its fleecy texture closely mimics that of an inside-out sweat shirt. This fabric is often called sherpa.

The sweat shirts come in two styles: crew neck (with the word "UTILITY" embroidered at the left chest area) and zippered polo (with collar and 5-inch zipper closure at the neck). The sweat shirts come in a variety of sizes and colors, including gray, blue, green, and taupe. The sweat shirts have two sewn-in labels, one that reads "Wear anywhere UTILITY Quality Clothing" and the other that reads "Made in China...RN 17730."

Target Stores nationwide sold the sweat shirts from June 1996 through February 1997 for about $18 to $22. Consumers should immediately stop wearing these sweat shirts and return them to the store where purchased for a full refund. For additional information about this recall, consumers should call Target Stores collect at (612) 304-6000. Consumers can also call CPSC's toll-free hotline at (800) 638-2772.

This recall does not extend to other "UTILITY" brand garments.

Note: Individual Commissioners may have statements related to this topic. Please visit www.cpsc.gov/commissioners to search for statements related to this or other topics.

If you are experiencing issues with a recall remedy or believe a company is being non-responsive to your remedy request, please use this form and explain the situation to CPSC.

About the U.S. CPSC

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risk of injury associated with the use of thousands of types of consumer products. Deaths, injuries, and property damage from consumer product-related incidents cost the nation more than $1 trillion annually. Since the CPSC was established more than 50 years ago, it has worked to ensure the safety of consumer products, which has contributed to a decline in injuries associated with these products.

Federal law prohibits any person from selling products subject to a Commission ordered recall or a voluntary recall undertaken in consultation with the CPSC. 

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