Product Safety Current Recalls

For a listing of general recalls please visit the CPSC website.

For a listing of apparel and footwear related recalls.

Latest News

10.20.08
Last week, AAFA sent the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s (CPSC) General Counsel two letters, requesting both footwear and apparel be exempt from the phthalate ban under the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA). Numerous different CPSC staff members have publicly stated in recent conferences that footwear and apparel are not considered “children’s toys” as defined by the phthalate provision. However, retailers, concerned with the lack of guidance from the CPSC, have begun to demand that vendors exclude phthalates from all children’s products. In response to the letters and the concern from the footwear industry, CPSC’s General Counsel has since issued an opinion confirming that footwear is exempt from the phthalate provision in the CPSC unless the footwear has “play value” such as a doll’s shoe. She has also announced that a similar letter regarding apparel is forthcoming.

10.14.08
The AFIRM group on October 6 released a Restricted Substances List (RSL) Implementation Toolkit for apparel and footwear. The toolkit can help suppliers understand how best to use an RSL, such as the semi-annual RSL published by the AAFA. The goal is to diminish harmful substances used in manufacturing as well as to educate suppliers on proper chemical management techniques. RSL issues will be discussed at the next AAFA Environmental Committee Meeting on November 10 in Washington DC.

10.14.08
US apparel imports (actual data) declined 4.0 percent to 14.8 billion square meter equivalents (SME) worth $47.0 billion during January-August 2008, compared to January-August 2007, while US footwear imports (actual data) went down by 7.1 percent to 1.6 billion pairs worth $13.0 billion. For a more detailed summary of the trade numbers, please go to AAFA's website.

10.14.08
On October 8, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced a recall of about 1100 girls’ sandals due to a choking hazard as the ornamental flowers on the sandals can detach. The sandals, made in China and distributed by Rack Room Shoes Inc. of Charlotte, NC, did not cause any injuries. Information on all CPSC recalls can be found on the CPSC website. For more information on product safety and drawstrings, please visit AAFA’s website.

09.22.08
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recently posted a link on its website to provide clarification and information on the recently passed Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA). The link provides summaries of the new law, a forum addressing questions from the public and a FAQ page.

The CPSC recently published guidance on the lead provision in the new law, posted on the website, ruling that products that contain above 600ppm of lead cannot be sold from inventory or on store shelves after February 10, 2009. The 600ppm ban applies to all children’s products, children being defined as anyone twelve or younger.

The CPSC also published the third party testing accreditation standards for lead in paint in children’s products (available on the website). Any children’s product that requires lead paint that is manufactured 90 days after these standards were published must carry a third party testing certificate. To prevent a backlog, the CPSC determined that any certificates for tests performed after August 14, 2008 by a lab that is accredited no later than November 26, 2008 are deemed valid.

09.8.08
Over the past month, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has announced three separate recalls relating to children's apparel. The first two involved children's hooded sweatshirts and jackets recalled by Orioxi International and Empress Arts due to strangulation hazards posed by the drawstrings. Circo also recalled children's socks due to choking hazards.

So far this year, the CPSC has already announced 22 recalls for apparel and footwear - all involving children's apparel. In 2007, the CPSC announced 26 apparel and footwear related recalls - 24 of them were childrenswear. With the passage of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008, many believe the number of recalls will go up even further in the future.

09.8.08
President George W. Bush signed the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (H.R. 4040) into law August 14. The new law expands the definition of products covered by the new rules to include “any consumer product designed or intended primarily for children 12 years of age or younger.”

For products subject to the new law, the law severely limits the amount of lead to trace levels, starting in February 2009. Further, it greatly reduces the amount of phthalates (used in plasticizers to make plastic softer and more malleable) that can exist in any product used by a child 12 years of age or younger when he or she “plays” (which is not clearly defined under the law). Under the new rules, the affected products must undergo additional testing (by certified third parties), must comply with additional labeling requirements and must meet certain documentation requirements.

Beginning November 12, all manufacturers of consumer products will need to provide a conformity assessment certification for their products. Ultimately, that certification will be based on third party testing for products intended and marketed for children. Finally, the new law authorizes a whole new set of enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance with the new rules. For a detailed summary of the new law, please click here.

08.11.08
At the last minute, Canada delayed implementation of new rules that would have immediately required labeling and registration of all garments with shoulder pads sold in the Canadian market be in compliance with the Technical Standards and Safety Act (TSSA). The new rules will now go into effect July 1, 2009. This rule change by the Technical Standards & Safety Authority follows another recent rule change requiring padded undergarments to meet labeling and registration requirements under TSSA by January 1, 2009. Many believe these rule changes will eventually lead to the extension of TSSA labeling and registration requirements to all padded clothing sold in the Canadian market.

08.11.08
At AAFA’s July 31 Product Safety Conference in New York, Chairwoman Nancy Nord of the Consumer Product Safety Commission announced that the letter addressing children’s loungewear, first released in December of 1996, will be reissued. The letter confirms that children’s loungewear must comply with CPSC children’s sleepwear flammability standards, stating that, “CPSC staff views ‘[children’s] loungewear’ as garments worn primarily for sleep related activities. Therefore, ‘[children’s] loungewear’ must comply with the children’s sleepwear standards.”

08.11.08
Last week, Congress sent the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Improvement Act to the White House. The President has already indicated that he will sign the legislation when he gets back from attending the Olympics in China. He must sign the legislation before August 18.

07.21.08
House and Senate conferees for the Consumer Product Safety (CPSC) Modernization Act (HR 4040) continued negotiations on July 17, agreeing to nine provisions including banning lead in products for children, establishing a public database of consumer product information and providing authority for State Attorneys General. However, the conferees remained divided on five outstanding issues: the ASTM-International toy standard; the phthalate amendment; the whistleblower provision; ATVs; and preemption. Of these issues, the phthalate amendment that bans certain phthalates in children’s products continues to be hotly debated. The conferees plan to work on these outstanding issues within the next few days and return to the Senate with proposals, perhaps as early as the week of July 21. While the House indicated that staffers have draft language on the ASTM-International toy standard provision, other issues remain in a deadlock. Conferees, frustrated at the slow progress of negotiations, will begin to work out negotiations at the member level in hopes to speed up the process and finalize the legislation before the upcoming August recess.

07.07.08
Last week, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), announced the voluntary recall of approximately 6,200 infants’ garments imported by Rashti & Rashti due to a choking hazard posed by the snaps on the garments. No injuries related to the products were reported. Information on all CPSC recalls can be found on the CPSC website. For more information on product safety, please visit AAFA’s website.

07.07.08
Under a draft of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) updated evaluation of the health hazards posed by tetrachloroethylene, also called perchloroethylene, the EPA would classify "perc," as it is commonly called, as a likely human carcinogen. A chemical commonly used by dry cleaners, “perc” has been the subject of intense scrutiny in recent years. In the past, increased concerns over perc led the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to examine whether it needed to change the labeling requirements for garments that are dry-cleaned. While the FTC has no plans to reexamine labeling requirements for dry-cleaned garments at the present time, interested parties are advised to follow new developments closely.

06.30.08
The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) republished its leather guide on June 18. The publication provides guidance to leather goods producers such as footwear and travel goods firms to determine how and when to label goods made with leather or made with materials that simulate leather. Despite a public comment period where some organizations requested significant changes to the guide, the FTC left the guide unchanged.

06.30.08
Last week, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), announced voluntary recalls of approximately 1,500 girl’s sandals sold by Nordstrom's and 3,000 children’s jackets and hoodies with drawstrings sold by Coolibar. The sandals were recalled due to a choking hazard posed by the flower embellishments on the sandals that can detach and the hoodies and jackets were recalled due to entrapment hazards. No injuries related to the products were reported. Information on all CPSC recalls can be found on the CPSC website. For more information on product safety, please visit AAFA’s website.

06.30.08
The Delaware House of Representatives recently passed a measure (H.B. 216) that would require all garments made with animal fur to be accurately labeled. Several other states have similar laws on the books, with New York the most recent state to enact such a measure. The U.S. Congress is currently considering the Dog and Cat Fur Prohibition Act (H.R. 891) that would also require all garments made with animal fur to be labeled. The Delaware legislation comes in the wake of a Humane Society investigation that discovered most garments made with raccoon dog fur are incorrectly labeled, or not labeled at all.

06.30.08
On June 25, the Senate and House conferees for the legislation reauthorizing the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) (H.R. 4040 – the CPSC Modernization Act) met to discuss developments in staff negotiations on the language in the House and Senate versions of the legislation. Statements by the conferees highlighted the major points of contention between the two chambers. The major issues included whether to ban phthalates, the role of state attorney generals, preemption, whistleblower protections and the creation of a database with alleged injuries due to specific products, among others. While the conference did approve 20 proposals that House and Senate staff had agreed upon, all conferees agreed that they would have to move quickly to finish the legislation this congressional session. The staff will continue working to find compromise during the July 4th recess.
 

06.16.08
On May 28, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recalled approximately 300 boy's hooded sweatshirts due to a strangulation hazard from the drawstrings. The sweatshirts, made in China and distributed by Adio Footwear, did not cause any injuries.Information on all CPSC recalls can be found on the CPSC website. For more information on product safety and drawstrings, please visit AAFA's website.

06.16.08
As expected, pre-registration of chemicals under the new European Chemical registration scheme – known by its acronym REACH – began on June 1, 2008. Pre-registration will last until December 1, 2008 and is required for all European entities that sell or import or distribute chemicals – in an amount exceeding 1 million tons per year. The requirement also applies to chemicals in articles (such as dyes in clothing) if the chemical is intended to be released AND if the amount of the chemical in the clothing exceeds 1 million tons per year. To aid in these new requirements, the European Chemicals Agency has finalized and released its long awaited REACH Guidance on Articles on May 26. The ECHA has also revised the REACH Guidance on Registration.

06.02.08
As expected, pre-registration of chemicals under the new European Chemical registration scheme – known by its acronym REACH – began on June 1, 2008. Pre-registration will last until December 1, 2008 and is required for all European entities that sell or import or distribute chemicals – in an amount exceeding 1 million tons per year. The requirement also applies to chemicals in articles (such as dyes in clothing) if the chemical is intended to be released AND if the amount of the chemical in the clothing exceeds 1 million tons per year. To aid in these new requirements, the European Chemicals Agency has finalized and released its long awaited REACH Guidance on Articles on May 26. The ECHA has also revised the REACH Guidance on Registration.

05.27.08
AAFA members are reminded that pre-registration for the European chemical registration law (known by its acronym “REACH”) begins on June 1, 2008. REACH is a comprehensive and complicated registration and authorization program governing about 30,000 chemicals that are manufactured in or imported into Europe in amounts above 1 ton each year. Because REACH also covers chemicals that are sold in other articles (including consumer products that are imported into or made in Europe), textile, apparel and footwear companies should consult their European customers to identify any requirements they need to meet to ensure that any chemicals that are intended to be released are properly registered. The U.S. Commerce Department maintains an excellent website for further information on REACH, including a useful list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ). Although the United States does not maintain such a chemical registration requirement, legislation introduced on May 20 by Rep. Hilda Solis (D-CA) – the so-called Kids Safe Chemicals Act – would create a registration and authorization mechanism that could be a first step in fashioning a U.S. version of REACH.

05.19.08
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recently released a statement warning consumers that some footwear is more hazardous on escalators than others. The CPSC estimated that in 2007, there were approximately 110,000 escalator related injuries – around 10% due to entrapment hazards. All but two incidents of entrapment on escalators reported to the CPSC since 2006 involved soft sided flexible clogs and slides.

05.19.08
At a Lead Safety Conference on May 13, Chairwoman Nancy Nord of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) warned that the CPSC Modernization Act (HR 4040) may have “unintended consequences” for retailers. HR 4040 is currently awaiting conference to reconcile the differences in language between the House and the Senate bills. Chairwoman Nord went on to say that she hopes the legislation will provide the CPSC with much needed additional resources to ensure the safety of consumer products “without burdening [the CPSC] with missions and activities that do little or nothing to actually improve the safety of products that Americans buy every day.”

04.14.08
Washington State Governor Christine Gregoire (D) recently signed off on the Children’s Safe Products Act. The law will go into effect in the summer of 2009 and includes stricter provisions than the pending federal legislation. Of those regulations, chemicals such as lead and phthalates in all children’s products are subject to some of the strictest national standards. In fact, toy industries caution that some toy makers may not be able to sell their products in Washington due to the new standards. However, the Governor did veto a provision requiring the state of Washington to maintain a public database of dangerous chemicals in toys and safe alternatives. In the meantime, Governor Gregoire will create an advisory group of doctors, manufacturers, toy store representatives, toxicologists and children’s advocates to help clarify the provisions of the legislation and develop additional regulations as necessary.

02.11.08
The Senate Commerce Committee recently presented a new draft version of S. 2045, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Modernization Act. The bill stalled in negotiations due to several highly controversial provisions not present in the House bill (passed unanimously before the winter recess.) Some of these provisions include public disclosure of information, State attorneys general enforcement, whistleblower protections, and criminal penalties that include jail time. As a member of the CPSC Coalition, the AAFA continues to monitor negotiations.

The CPSC’s temporary quorum expired on February 1, though the current Senate bill includes language to extend the quorum for a 9-month period beginning when the bill is enacted.

02.04.08
On February 1, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) voted 2-0 to approve technical improvements to the General Wearing Apparel Flammability Standards. The new standard will be published in the Federal Register in a couple weeks.

01.22.08
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recently published its draft final rule updating the flammability standards for clothing textiles. Because the CPSC quorum is scheduled to expire February 3, the CPSC voted on the standard on January 18. The result was a 2-0 vote to direct the staff to prepare a draft federal register notice. The Commission will have to vote again to approve the notice, which will hopefully happen before the quorum expires.

As was previously reported, discussions on the standard have been ongoing for the past 5 years. The AAFA, alongside its member companies, contributed in the process by commenting on both the proposed notice of rulemaking and the advanced notice of proposed rulemaking and by holding several meetings with the CPSC (most recently, this past summer) to discuss both the existing and proposed flammability standards. The result is a very non-controversial standard.
 

01.14.08
Acting chairman of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Nancy Nord recently announced that retailers, not just manufacturers, will be expected to better ensure consumer product safety. The agency has historically focused on manufacturers, though Nord said that equal responsibility lies on the manufacturers. Nord also addressed the pending CPSC Modernization Act and detailed plans to expand inspection of imported goods using the newly appropriated funds.

On the Congressional side, before Congress recessed for the holidays, the CPSC Modernization Act (H.R. 4040) passed through the House with a unanimous vote. With the winter recess coming to an end, the Senate hopes to pass the Senate version of the bill (S. 2045) before the February Congressional recess. Senator Pryor does not want to take up the language in H.R. 4040 and negotiations have already begun over some of the more offensive provisions of S. 2045.

Following the passing of H.R. 4040, the House Committee of Energy and Commerce issued a committee report on the legislation. The AAFA and other trade associations are concerned over several discrepancies between the language in the bill and the language in the report, namely on provisions of public disclosure, preemption and the implementation of the lead paint standard.

In going ahead, the AAFA intends to focus on Senate negotiations to fix the controversial language to not only ensure product safety for consumers, but also fair standards for manufacturers and distributors.

01.07.08
Over 16,000 “Warmest Jacket” boys’ jackets sold by Gap Outlet in the US from September to December 2007 have been recalled by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) because of fears over the safety of their drawstring and toggle even though no incidents or injuries have been reported.

Information on all CPSC recalls can be found on the CPSC website.

12.10.07
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recalled the following childrenswear products in the last week:

1) Old Navy boys’ jackets,
2) Scope Apparel boys’ hooded sweatshirts,
3) Personal Identity children’s sweaters,
4) Basic Editions girls’ clothing sets, and
5) TKS children’s pants

All recalls were related to drawstring hazards including entrapment and strangulation. No injuries or deaths related to the products were reported. Information on all CPSC recalls can be found on the CPSC website.
 

12.03.07
On November 19, the California Attorney General filed a lawsuit against 20 toy manufacturers, distributors and retailers alleging violations of Proposition 65, the California law which requires warnings for the knowing and intentional exposure of individuals to chemicals known to cause cancer or reproductive toxicity.

The suit claims that the toy makers and sellers failed to provide warning that toys distributed in California would expose children and adults to lead. The lawsuit also alleges that distributing the toys without warnings provided these companies with an unfair competitive advantage, in violation of the California Business and Professions Code. The lawsuit follows a series of recalls of toys and other consumer goods announced by the federal Consumer Product Safety Commission, and also seeks the defendants’ compliance with the federal Consumer Product Safety Act’s ban on paint containing lead greater than 0.06 %.

Violations of Proposition 65 can result in imposition of civil penalties of up to $2,500 per day for each violation and an injunction requiring the defendants to provide warnings. Business and Professions Code violations can result in a court order for disgorgement of profits and an injunction requiring compliance with legal standards or restricting further sales.

11.27.07
A House Subcommittee last week approved a comprehensive product safety reform bill (HR 4040). The legislation seeks to overhaul the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the various safety statutes the CPSC enforces. It is expected to be considered by the full House in December. A much harsher Senate companion measure (S. 2045) may also see action in the full Senate next month. Although supportive of provisions in these bills that would increase funding and resources for the CPSC, AAFA and other industry associations have raised a number of concerns over approaches in the legislation, including provisions that would undermine the current private sector/public sector partnership that underpins the nation’s public safety system.

11.05.07
The Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA), an agency of the California Environmental Protection Agency responsible for administering California Proposition 65 has declined a petition to consider perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) for listing on an expedited basis under Proposition 65. The OEHHA determined that any potential developmental and reproductive effects posed by PFOA – a processing aid used to produce materials that are used in certain non-resistant applications in textiles and other products – do not meet OEHHA’s primary screening criterion for consideration for eventual listing in Proposition 65. This decision follows OEHHA’s decision last year, when it evaluated and denied a similar petition to consider and list PFOA as a carcinogen. As it indicated in response to the previous petition, OEHHA again noted that it will continue to monitor any new data relevant to the potential developmental or reproductive toxicity of PFOA.

11.05.07
On October 30, the Senate Commerce Committee approved product safety legislation (S. 2045) that had been introduced by the Senate Consumer Affairs Subcommittee Chair Senator Mark Pryor (D-AR). The legislation now goes to the full Senate for consideration. Several days later, House Commerce Committee Chair Rep. John Dingell (D-MI) and House Consumer Affairs Subcommittee Chair Rep. Bobby Rush (D-IL) introduced a House counterpart and vowed quick action in that chamber. While timing is unclear, conventional wisdom suggests this legislation will indeed be considered quickly.

AAFA as well as many other organizations have spoken out against this legislation. Although there is widespread support for several provisions that provide increased resources and funding for the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the business community is strongly opposed to other provisions that undermine the private/public sector partnership that currently exists on product safety. Specific provisions of concern would permit each attorney general to enforce federal safety statutes, significantly increase civil and criminal penalties, create incentives for the reporting of false information and eliminate existing protections for the unauthorized release of confidential business information.

AAFA sent its own letter detailing these objections and signed onto a broader industry letter as well. Meanwhile the Administration is expected to release its own plan on product and import safety sometime this week.

09.10.07
Public concerns over the safety of imports and other products are translating into increased activity in Congress this fall. Numerous Congressional Committees and an interagency working group are conducting a series of reviews to determine if the regulatory system governing the safety of products – both imported and domestically made – is sufficient. It remains to be seen what policy and regulatory changes will be made because of these initiatives. Already a number of bills, including proposals to ban lead in children’s products and to require third country inspections for all children’s imports, have been introduced.

AAFA will track this process closely, and, in fact, has been invited to provide input to an investigation on children’s clothing and toys being conducted by the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee.
 

8.27.07
Legislation that would ban the sale in California of certain children's products containing phthalates - a chemical plasticizer used to make plastics more flexible and resilient - is pending before the California state Senate following its approval, on a 41 to 34 margin, in the California state assembly last month.

Although not banned by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, phthalates, and the articles containing them, have been the target of environmental advocates in California (and other states) because of health concerns. It is unclear if there is enough support in the California state Senate or whether such legislation would be signed into law by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.

In a related development, California has added one type of phthalate - diisodecyl phthalate (DIDP) - to the list of chemicals governed by Proposition 65 rules.

For more information, please contact Jim Bruen, AAFA counsel on Proposition 65 and related environmental concerns, at 415.954.4400.

7.18.07
On July 18, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Acting Chair Nancy Nord officially announced her Product Recall, Information and Safety Modernization (“PRISM”) Act proposal that would, among other things, provide CPSC with additional enforcement capabilities, modify the recall process, and create new information and reporting requirements for potentially dangerous products. Both the House and Senate Committees with jurisdiction over the CPSC have indicated their interest in reorganizing select CPSC operations. AAFA is closely monitoring such efforts. For more information and to receive a copy of the PRISM proposal, please contact AAFA's Rebecca Mond at 703.797.9038.
 

5.23.07
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), in cooperation with Mervyn’s Stores, announced voluntary recall of the following consumer product.
Ellemenno brand Capri pants were recalled by Mervyn’s because the buttons inside the waistband of the pants can detach, posing a choking hazard to young children. The recalled pants were sold in girls' sizes 4, 5, 6, 6X, 7 and 8, and were sold at Mervyns stores nationwide from December 2006 through April 2007 for about $20.
For additional information, please contact Mervyns at 800.637.8967, visit its website, the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s website or contact AAFA's Rebecca Mond

4.12.07
On Friday, March 23, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) published a Federal Register notice providing a technical correction to the Standard for the Flammability of Children’s Sleepwear: Sizes 0 Through 6X. The technical correction was prompted by a need to correct a measurement in a table in final regulations which were published 8 years ago and to correct several typographical errors in the standard. The corrections became effective on March 23, 2007.

3.12.07
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), in cooperation with H&M and Cobmex Inc., announced voluntary recall of the following consumer products. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

The H&M jackets have an attached compass that can break, posing a choking hazard for young children. Also, the liquid mineral oil, inside the compass is harmful if ingested. This product is a boy’s cotton canvas jacket and made exclusively for children sizes 18M to 6Y. They have style number 93196 written on the care label, and were sold nationwide at H&M stores from February 2006 through October 2006 for $30. For more information, please contact H&M Stores toll-free at 877.439.6261 or go to the firm's website. To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the recalled products, please go to the CPSC website.

Cobmex Inc. of Lakewood California is recalling youth-size jackets that have a drawstring posing a choking hazard. The jackets have a Cobmex neck label and were manufactured in various colors including navy, black, green, red and wine, and were sold at Children’s clothing and school uniform stores nationwide from January 2006 through February 2007 for about $30. For additional information, please call Cobmex toll-free at 877.926.2639 or visit the Cobmex website. To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the recalled products, please go to the CPSC website.

3.5.07
On March 1, the White House announced the nomination of Michael Baroody as chairman for the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Baroody is Executive Vice President of the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), where he has worked since 1990. Noting that Baroody would be a tremendous asset to the CPSC, AAFA President & CEO Kevin M. Burke sent a letter to the Senate Commerce Committee urging support for a swift confirmation. If confirmed, he would fill the vacancy left by Hal Stratton Jr., who left the CPSC in July 2006.

2.22.07
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), in cooperation with the firms named below, last week announced voluntary recalls of the following consumer products. Consumers should stop using these recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.
(1) Boy's Jackets, Samara Brothers LLC, of New York, NY- The snap closures on the jacket have excessive amounts of lead, which poses a lead poisoning hazard. This recall involves boy's outerwear jackets with a Carter’s- brand logo on the front. Sizes involved in this recall are Toddler sizes 2T to 4T, and Boy’s sizes include S, M and L. The items were sold at major department stores and discount department stores nationwide.
(2) Children’s Hooded Sweatshirts and Windbreakers, Vacation Clothing - The hooded sweatshirts and windbreakers, sold in sizes S to XL, have a drawstring through the hood that pose a strangulation hazard to children. The hooded sweatshirts were sold in pink, white, light blue, yellow, navy and gray. The nylon windbreakers were sold in royal blue, olive, pink, light blue and navy. A tag sewn inside of the garments reads, “Basix USA.” They were sold at discount department stores nationwide.

2.12.07
Last week, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), in cooperation with Meijer Stores, announced a voluntary recall of toddler pants sets manufactured by G & W Industries of New York, NY.

The garments have a zipper on the jacket that can detach and pose a strangulation hazard. This recall involves “Little Lass” toddler pants sets sold with a velour jacket and pants, and a tee-shirt. The sets were sold in red and black, and have the words 'Snow Angel' printed on the front of the jacket. The sizes involved in this recall are 2T, 3T and 4T, and were sold at Meijer Stores from October 2006 to December 2006 for about $20. Consumers should return the product to Meijer Stores for a full refund, and should stop using the product unless instructed otherwise.

1.17.07
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), in cooperation with the firms named below, last week announced a voluntary recall of Children's Hooded Sweatshirts with Drawstrings made by Seena International, of Yaphank, N.Y. The garments have a drawstring through the hood, posing a strangulation hazard to children. This recall involves children's fleece hooded sweatshirts, sizes 8-12. The sweatshirts were sold in black, brown, blue, red, grey, white and off-white. The words "BKLYN Xpress" and "Brooklyn Xpress" and various graphic designs are embroidered on the sweatshirts. The sweatshirts were sold at various clothing stores, including Ross Stores & Gordman's, from September 2006 through December 2006 for about $25. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. This recall is published on CPSC's website.

12.20.06
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), in cooperation with the firms named below, announced voluntary recalls of the following consumer products. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

(1) 6500 Children's Boots made by "See Kai Run" of Woodinville, Washington - The metal snaps on the side closure of the boot can detach, posing a choking hazard to young children. This recall involves the "Ellis" children's boot sold in pre-walk and toddler sizes 3 through 9. The boots are black with white stitching and were sold with either leather or faux fur lining. "See Kai Run" is written on the sole and insole of the boots. "Ellis - FF" or "Ellis - L" is written on the side of the shoe box under the Style heading. No other styles or models are included in this recall.

(2)"Baby greendog" girl’s knit coveralls - The snaps on the legs of the coveralls can detach, posing a choking hazard to young children. The coveralls are off-white with long sleeves. There are pastel stripes on the sleeves and legs, and a floral motif on the right-hand side of the chest. It was sold with the matching striped cap. The coveralls were sold in sizes 0-12 months. Style number 1053EGR410 is printed on the hang tag. The coveralls are distributed in Macy's and there are currently about 500 units.

(3) Black Dog Tavern Company Inc. - Recalled 9,700 children’s hooded sweatshirts, which have a black dog on the front and are sold in youth sizes up to size 12. The drawstrings through the hood pose a strangulation hazard. Sweatshirt colors include navy blue, gray, red, pink, black or oatmeal. "The Black Dog," "Est. 71," or "The Black Dog/Martha's Vineyard" are printed on the back of some of the sweatshirts. An expanded recall includes additional sweatshirts erroneously sold since the original February 2006 recall announcement. Consumers should immediately remove the drawstrings from the sweatshirts to eliminate the hazard.

These recalls, including pictures of the products, are available on the CPSC website.

10.30.06
On October 26, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), in cooperation with Wal-Mart, announced a voluntary recall of about 14,000 Minnie Mouse Cardigan Sets. The pink cardigan is sold as part of a three-piece set which also includes a light pink turtleneck and denim pants. The cardigan has a pink ribbon woven around the neckline. Minnie Mouse is embroidered on the lower left front of the cardigan. The cardigan was sold in sizes 12M, 18M, 24M, 3T, 4T and 5T. Although no incidents or injuries have been reported, if the cardigan is buttoned, the ribbon woven around the neckline poses a strangulation hazard for children. Consumers should take the recalled cardigan away from children immediately and return the entire three-piece set to Wal-Mart for a full refund.

AAFA Product Safety Testimony/Comments and News

12.20.06
After a long delay, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is resuming work on the regulations to update the Clothing Textiles Standard (16 C.F.R. Part 1610 Standard for the Flammability of Clothing Textiles). On December 8, Commissioners authorized CPSC staff to prepare a Federal Register notice that will solicit new comments on recommendations the CPSC staff have made with respect to comments it received from an earlier Advanced Notice of Public Rulemaking (ANPR). At this point, we expect the Commission to issue a new Federal Register notice near the end of January 2007 with comments due sometime in April. To view a copy of the briefing package the CPSC staff prepared with respect to this issue, please visit the CPSC website. AAFA had commented on the earlier ANPR and expects to submit comments in connection with this Federal Register notice as well. To see other comments associated with the earlier ANPR, including those submitted by AAFA, please visit the CPSC library website.

8.28.03
AAFA and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z41 Accredited Standards Committee for Performance Requirements for Protective Occupational Footwear (ANSI Z41) sent an October 1 letter to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) strongly opposing OSHA’s proposed slip resistance standards for occupational footwear. While agreeing that slips and falls are one of the greatest causes of industrial accidents in the United States, the letter expresses concern that the 0.5 Coefficient of Friction (COF) requirement proposed by OSHA does not reference either a particular test method, nor has any research to confirm that such a COF (depending on the test method) would have any beneficial results.  A number of studies were conducted by members of ANSI Z41 and the American Society for Testing and Materials’ (ASTM F13) Committee on Pedestrian/Walkway Safety and Traction for Footwear. The result of these studies found that each of the four slip testers currently in use produces dramatically different COF results under the same exact conditions.  Furthermore, there is no evidence that any of these slip meters accurately simulate actual human ambulation.  Therefore, the letter urges OSHA to suspend its proposed rule and, instead, work with ANSI Z41, ASTM F13 and AAFA to develop a single standard test method that accurately reflects actual human ambulation.

2.13.03
On February 13, 2003, AAFA released a side by side comparison of U.S. drawstring standards.

12.6.02
On November 12, AAFA filed comments with the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) regarding its Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPR) on the flammability standards for wearing apparel. The standard, written in 1953, has become outdated in many respects. In its comments, AAFA reminds the CPSC that while the standard needs technical updating, it has been working correctly in the years since it was adopted. AAFA's comments focused on the technological advances in testing procedures and equipment as well as suggestions on clarification and organization. AAFA Comments to CPSC in response to the Petition Requesting Rule Regarding Product Registration Cards for Products Intended for Children filed by the CFA.

3.2.01
Comments to CPSC in response to Policy Guidance for International Operations

3.5.01
Comments submitted to CPSC on a proposed" “policy statement on reporting information about potentially hazardous products distributed outside the United States"

6.21.00
Comments Submitted to CPSC on Petition to Declare Natural Rubber Latex and Products Containing Natural Rubber Latex a Strong Sensitizer

4.22.99
Testimony Before the CPSC in Response to its Proposed Revocation of the Snug-fitting and 0-9 Month Exemptions for Children's Sleepwear

3.22.99
Statement Submitted to the CPSC in Response to its Proposed Revocation of the Snug-Fitting and 0-9 Month Exemptions for Children's Sleepwear  

2.15.99
Comments on Wisconsin's Proposed Ban on Drawstrings on Children's Clothing
 

6.16.98
Comments on Proposed Technical Changes to Standard for the Flammability of Children's Sleepwear; Sizes 0-6x; Standard for the Flammability of Children's Sleepwear: Sizes 7-14