CPSC, GapKids Announce Voluntary Recall of Kids' Anoraks

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Gap Kids of San Francisco, Calif., is voluntarily recalling about 127,800 GapKids spring/summer anoraks, a pull-over hooded nylon windbreaker. The anoraks have paint on the zipper pull that contains an unacceptable level of lead. While exposure to the defective zippers presents no immediate health danger, exposure to high levels of lead over an extended period of time presents a potential poisoning hazard to young children if ingested.

After several customers returned anoraks to the stores, GapKids determined that the zippers were not as originally specified to the manufacturer. GapKids is not aware of any illnesses or injuries involving this product. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of illness or injury.

The anoraks being recalled have a "Made in Russia" label. They come in the following colors: white, yellow, pink, light blue, purple, red, navy, green and multi-colored. They come in a variety of children's sizes. A zippered travel pouch accompanies the jacket.

The defective anoraks were sold in GapKids stores from January 1998 to June 2, 1998 throughout the United States, Canada, Japan, Germany, France and the United Kingdom. The recall does not include anoraks sold before January 1998.

Consumers should immediately stop wearing the anoraks and stop using the accompanying zippered pouches, and return them to any GapKids store for a refund. For more information about this recall or for the location of the nearest GapKids store, consumers should call the company at (800) 333-7899, Ext. 75000 between 9 a.m and 5 p.m. PDT Monday through Friday.