California-based YMI Jeanswear has announced a recall of 500 of its YMI brand sweatshirts for girls. And just as was the case with other recent sweatshirt recalls, this one also involves drawstrings.
In a statement issued yesterday YMI says that it has received no reports of any actual injuries. The company says that the recalled "hoodies" were sold only at dd's Discounts. They were sold nationwide, however, and cost around $13.
Since 1997 drawstrings have been avoided by children's clothing manufacturers as part of a voluntary action. But just about a year ago drawstrings on kids' clothing actually became illegal. The action was necessary, says the CPSC, to prevent deaths like those of toddlers who strangled to death after catching their drawstrings on playground equipment and those of teenagers who have been killed after their drawstrings got caught in their school bus's door.
What do you do if you think your child or grandchild might have one of the recalled YMI hoodies? The CPSC says you'll want to sweatshirts with front zippers and "furry" hoods. The recalled shirts have a neck label that reads "YMI" on it. Yours may also have a heart-shaped charm with "YMI" engraved on it attached to its zipper.
If you find one of these in your home you're urged to pull the drawstring out immediately. You can return the shirt to your local dd's Discounts for a full refund.
YMI has issued its own statement about the recall. On its website YMI says that all remaining stock have had their drawstrings removed. The statement does not mention a refund but it says that concerned consumers can contact the company at (323) 581-7700 for more info.
