The Recall Desk
ModerateCPSC·04557·Announced 2004-06-17

GapKids Recalls Girls' Straw Cowboy Hats Due to Wire Laceration Hazard

GapKids is recalling 5,200 girls' straw cowboy hats because a thin wire inside the seam can break free, posing a laceration hazard. Two minor scratches have been reported.

What this means for you

Minor labeling or packaging issue, or a voluntary precautionary recall. Risk of harm is low but real — follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a physical hazard (laceration) with reported minor injuries (scratches) but no serious harm, fitting the criteria for moderate severity involving low-risk physical defects or minor injury reports.

Plain-English summary

GapKids, of San Francisco, California, is recalling approximately 5,200 units of its Girls' Straw Cowboy Hat. The hats were sold in pink and natural straw colors, featuring embroidered flowers and butterflies, in small/medium and large/extra-large sizes. The specific style number 239040 is printed on a white label sewn into the brim under the garment-care tag.

The recall was issued because the hats are constructed with a thin wire within a seam. The tip of this wire can break free from the seam, creating a laceration hazard. GapKids has received two reports of customers receiving minor scratches from the exposed wire tip: a 7-year-old child received a scratch on the leg, and a 12-year-old received a scratch on the forehead.

The hats were sold exclusively at GapKids stores and gap.com nationwide from April 2004 through May 2004 for approximately $18.50. Consumers should return the hats to any Gap store for a refund and a complimentary $5 appreciation card. For additional information, consumers can contact GapKids toll-free at (866) 847-0489.

The recalled product

Product
Girls' Straw Cowboy Hat
Affected units
5,200

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.