Risk of Strangulation Prompts Recall to Repair Matchstick Roll-Up Shades by International Merchandise; Sold Exclusively at Big Lots

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of Product: Deluxe Matchstick Roll-up Shades

Units: About 355,000

Importer: International Merchandise of Columbus, Ohio

Hazard: Strangulations can occur if the lifting loops slide off the side of the blind and a child's neck becomes entangled on the free-standing loop or if a child places his/her neck between the lifting loop and the roll-up blind material. Also, children can become entangled in the looped pull cord.

Incidents/Injuries: No incidents or injuries have been reported.

Description: This recall involves Deluxe Matchstick Roll-Up Shades with widths of 24", 36", 48" and 72" by 72" long in a "natural" color that are suspended by two cord loops called lifting loops or inner cords. The inner cords are attached to the head rail on one end and on the other end they go through the head rail and a cord lock and end in a looped cord that is used to raise and lower the shade. Both the head rail and bottom rail are made of bamboo and there is a warning label near the bottom that advises: "Young children can become entangled and strangle in cord or bead loops."

Sold at: Big Lots nationwide from January 2009 through June 2009 for between $5 and $12.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the roll-up shades and contact the Window Covering Safety Council for a free repair kit.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact the Window Covering Safety Council at (800) 506-4636 anytime or visit www.windowcoverings.org

Note: Examine all shades and blinds in your home. Make sure there are no accessible cords on the front, side, or back of the product. CPSC recommends the use of cordless window coverings in all homes where children live or visit.