Children's Hooded Sweatshirts with Drawstrings Recalled by Polar Bear Gift Shop Due to Strangulation Hazard

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: Children's hooded sweatshirts with drawstrings

Units: About 300

Importer: Polar Bear Gift Shop, of Anchorage, Alaska

Hazard: The sweatshirts have a drawstring through the hood which can 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.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: This recall involves children's hooded sweatshirts sold in sizes small through extra large. "John Moose" and "Alaska" screen print logos are printed on the front of the yellow sweatshirts. The "Gaxiani" brand name and RN# 55774 are sewn on the neck tag inside of the garment.

Sold exclusively at: Polar Bear Gift Shop in Anchorage, Alaska from February 2008 through August 2009 for about $15.

Manufactured in: Mexico

Remedy: Consumers should immediately remove the drawstring to eliminate the hazard. Consumers can also return the sweatshirt to Polar Bear Gift Shop for a full refund.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Polar Bear Gift Shop collect at (907) 274-4387 between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. PT Monday through Friday or visit the firm's Web site at www.polarbeargifts.net