CPSC, Meijer Inc. Announce Recall of Children's Jackets

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Meijer Inc., of Grand Rapids, Mich., is voluntarily recalling about 7,500 children's jackets. These jackets have hood drawstrings. Children can get entangled and strangle in the drawstrings that catch on objects, including playground equipment, fences and tree branches. CPSC knows of numerous deaths from neck/hood drawstrings. To help prevent children from strangling by their clothing drawstrings, in 1996 CPSC issued guidelines for drawstrings on children's outerwear, which were subsequently incorporated into a voluntary standard.

Meijer has not received any reports of incidents. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injuries.

The recalled Falls Creek Army Flight Jackets are for boys size 4 through 7 and 8 through 18, as well as toddlers sizes 2T through 5T. These jackets are made of blue or olive nylon fabric and are decorated with assorted patriotic patches on the sleeves, chest and back. The hood is bordered with synthetic brown and tan fur. These jackets were manufactured in Korea.

Meijer stores in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Kentucky sold the jackets from July 2003 through October 2003 for between $26 and $33.

Consumers should stop their children from wearing the jacket immediately and contact Meijer toll-free at (866) 280-8419 anytime or log on to their Web site at www.meijer.com for information on how to return the jacket for a full refund. Parents also can remove the drawstring, which will make the jacket safe for children to wear.