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UNITED STATES: Drawstrings in Children's Outerwear pose strangulation hazards

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced today that eight firms have agreed to pay a total of $320,000 to settle allegations that the firms failed to report to the CPSC, as required by federal law, that their children's hooded sweatshirts or jackets were sold with drawstrings at the hood and neck. These products, which the firms eventually recalled, pose strangulation hazards that can cause death to children. The settlements have been provisionally accepted.

The firms paying the penalties are:
-- Life is Good Inc.
-- True Religion Apparel Inc.
-- The Cayre Group Ltd.
-- DollarDays International, LLC
-- Kohl's Department Stores Inc.
-- Seena International Inc.
-- Neiman Marcus Group Inc.
-- Gildan Activewear SRL

In February 1996, CPSC issued drawstring guidelines to help prevent children from strangling or getting entangled on the neck and waist drawstrings in upper outerwear, such as jackets and sweatshirts. In May 2006, CPSC's Office of Compliance informed manufacturers and retailers that children's upper outerwear with drawstrings at the hood or neck is defective and presents a substantial risk of injury to young children.

Federal law requires manufacturers, distributors, and retailers to report to CPSC immediately (within 24 hours) after obtaining information reasonably supporting the conclusion that a product contains a defect which could create a substantial risk of injury to the public, presents an unreasonable risk of serious injury or death, or violates a federal safety standard.

In agreeing to settle the matters, the firms deny CPSC's allegations that they knowingly violated the law.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from more than 15,000 types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. Deaths, injuries and property damage from consumer product incidents cost the nation more than $800 billion annually. The CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard. The CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products -- such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and household chemicals -- contributed significantly to the decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years.

Source: Agencies • News Courtesy: BharatTextile.com

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