The Recall Desk
CriticalCPSC·96041·Announced 1995-12-14

Consolidated Stores Recalls 26,000 Mini-Hammocks Due to Strangulation Risk

Consolidated Stores is recalling 26,000 mini-hammocks sold at Big Lots and Odd Lots because they lack spreader bars, posing a strangulation hazard to children.

What this means for you

Highest-severity recall. Risk of serious injury or death is documented or strongly suspected. Stop using the product now and follow the agency's instructions.

Our severity reasoning: The source text explicitly states that 17 children strangled and one child suffered brain damage from a near-strangulation, meeting the rubric criteria for known fatalities and serious injury.

Plain-English summary

Consolidated Stores Corporation is recalling 26,000 mini-hammocks that were sold nationwide in 1990 and 1991 at Big Lots and Odd Lots stores. The recalled products are lightweight, nylon mesh hammocks measuring 7 feet wide by 20 feet long with nylon ropes at each end. They were sold for $3.99 each.

The recall is being issued because the hammocks do not have spreader bars to hold the hammock bed open. Without these bars, children can become entangled and strangle while getting in or out of the hammock. Since 1975, the CPSC has received reports of 17 children between the ages of 5 and 17 who strangled while using mini-hammocks without spreader bars manufactured by various companies. Additionally, the CPSC is aware of one incident in which a child became entangled and suffered brain damage from a near-strangulation in a mini-hammock allegedly sold by Consolidated Stores.

Consumers should stop using the Consolidated mini-hammocks immediately. They should return the products to the Big Lots or Odd Lots stores where they were purchased to receive a full refund. For more information, consumers may call Consolidated Stores at (800) 877-1253, Ext. 6807.

The recalled product

Product
CPSC, Consolidated Stores Announce Mini-Hammock Recall
Manufacturer
Big Lots

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.