The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with importer R&D International Inc., have announced a voluntary recall of Young Colors Children's Hooded Jackets. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

The jackets have drawstrings through the hood and at the waist. Children can get entangled in the drawstrings that can catch on playground equipment, fences or tree branches.

In February 1996, CPSC issued guidelines to help prevent children from strangling or getting entangled on the neck and waist drawstring in upper garments, such as jackets and sweatshirts. From 1985 through June 2008, CPSC received reports of 27 deaths and 70 non-fatal incidents involving the entanglement of children's clothing drawstrings. There are no reported injuries.

The cotton knit and woven hooded jackets have a drawstring through the hood and waist. They were sold in sizes 12 months through size 10 in a variety of solid colors and prints. “Young Colors” is sewn into the jacket tag located at the neck.

These products were sold at specialty children's stores nationwide from April 2004 through September 2007 for about $45.

Consumers should immediately remove the drawstrings from the jacket to eliminate the safety hazard.