Strangulation Death of a Child Prompts Hill Sportswear To Recall Hooded Sweatshirts with Drawstrings

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is announcing today a voluntary recall by Hill Sportswear Inc., of Paramount, Calif., of 300,000 hooded drawstring sweatshirts. CPSC received one report of a death involving a 3-year-old boy in Fresno, Calif. He was strangled when the drawstring on the hooded sweatshirt that he was wearing became stuck on a play ground set.

The sweatshirts, Kid Pullover Hood Sweatshirt and Kid Zipper Sweatshirt with Hood, have drawstrings through the hood. The drawstrings should be removed immediately since they can become caught on objects and strangle a child. In February 1996, CPSC issued guidelines (pdf) to help prevent children from strangling or getting entangled on the neck and waist drawstrings in upper garments, such as jackets or sweatshirts.

The recall includes the Kid Pullover Hood and Kid Zipper with Hood. The Kid Pullover Hood has a flat style drawstring at the neck, one middle front pocket, and fleece inside lining. Top sewn in label reads "HILL/ Made in USA." The hooded Zipper children's sweatshirt has a rounded style drawstring at the neck, two front pockets, and fleece inside lining. Top sewn in label reads "HILL/ Made in USA". The recalled sweatshirts were sold at various small retailers in California and Texas from August 1999 through December 2008 for approximately $8.

Due to the serious nature of this hazard, parents are urged to immediately remove the drawstrings from the sweatshirts or return the garment to either the place of purchase or to Hill Sportswear for a full refund.

Consumers should contact Hill Sportswear toll-free at (877) 322-8760 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. (PT) Monday through Friday.