H&M, in conjunction with the Consumer Product Safety Commission, has issued a second recall for water bottles sold at its stores throughout the U.S.
The 16 oz. Children’s Water Bottles, manufactured in Italy, are being recalled due to a potential choking hazard. There have been reports of the water bottle’s spout breaking off, which could obstruct a child’s breathing passages if swallowed. There was one report of a spout breaking but no reports of injuries.
H&M originally issued a recall for the pink and blue water bottles in September 2012. At the time, the company estimated that 2,900 of the bottles had been sold. Approximately 200 more water bottles were sold by stores after the initial recall, between September 2012 and March 2013.
One way to avoid recalls such as this, and the associated publicity, is to work with accredited, CPSC-compliant suppliers. Many industry companies produce drinkware similar to the bottles sold at H&M, and have had their products tested and verified as safe and compliant. Distributors are encouraged to ask their suppliers for certificates verifying that all products, particular those intended for children, meet all legal requirements.
Anyone who has one of the recalled products should call H&M at (855) 466-7467 or visit www.hm.com. Affected consumers will be issued a full refund and $25 gift certificate upon receipt of the recalled bottle.
