Recall of Boys Jackets and Sweatshirts

November 1, 1999
Release # 00-010

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For Immediate Release;
Contact: Kim Dulic
(301) 504-0580 Ext. 1183

PRODUCT: Boys Jackets and Sweatshirts: Montgomery Ward, of Chicago, Ill., is recalling about 780 boys hooded jackets and sweatshirts sold under the brand name North West Blue. The jackets and sweatshirts being recalled have the following identification numbers printed on the care label: "RN90866" or "RN81862".The garments are made in Nepal or Pakistan from 100 percent cotton in sizes small through large.

The sweatshirt is style RN 90866, which comes in navy or olive. This is a pullover style sweatshirt with a zipper front pouch pocket and elbow pads. The jacket is style RN 81862, which comes in khaki, navy, olive or natural with stripes on the chest and sleeves. This is a zip front jacket made from cotton canvas with a fleece hood. "North West Blue" is on a sewn-in label at the neck of both garment styles. Montgomery Ward stores nationwide sold the garments from August 1999 to October 1999 for about $20.

PROBLEM: The jackets and sweatshirts have hood drawstrings. Children can get entangled and strangle in the drawstrings that catch on playground equipment, fences or tree branches. Since 1985, CPSC knows of 16 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. For jackets and sweatshirts, CPSC recommends that drawstrings be completely removed and that alternate closures, such as snaps, buttons, Velcro or elastic be used. Montgomery Ward had been adhering to the voluntary standard and has implemented procedures to prevent future errors.

INCIDENTS/INJURIES: None reported.

WHAT TO DO: Stop wearing the jackets and sweatshirts. Either remove the drawstrings from the hood or return them to the nearest Montgomery Ward store for a full refund. For more information, call Montgomery Ward at (800) 695-3553 between 8 a.m and 6:30 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or access their web site at www.wards.com.