Nearly 500,000 Precious Cargo Onesies Recalled Due to Choking Hazard
Inspecting baby garments for secure closures can safeguard against choking risks.
Nearly 500,000 Precious Cargo Infant Onesies Recalled Over Choking Hazard
In a development that has captured the attention of parents across the United States, Precious Cargo—a well-known baby clothing brand—has voluntarily issued a major recall of its infant onesies due to a serious choking hazard posed by faulty snap closures. The recall, affecting nearly 500,000 units, underscores the critical importance of consumer product safety in the children’s apparel market and highlights key steps parents must take to protect their children.
Key Facts About the Recall
- Recalled Product: Precious Cargo infant one-piece garments (onesies) with a three-snap bottom closure
- Number Recalled: Approximately 479,000 to 500,000 units
- Reason: Snaps can detach and present a choking hazard to infants
- Manufacturer/Distributor: SanMar Corp., Issaquah, Washington
- Date of Recall: September 2015
- Action: Immediate stop in use and return for a full refund
- Reports of Injury: None as of announcement date
Recall Details: What Parents Need to Know
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced that these Precious Cargo garments, consisting of 100% cotton onesies with a three-snap closure at the bottom, may present a serious risk to young children. Testing and consumer reports identified that the snaps used to secure the onesies can detach during normal use, creating a small part that a baby might put in their mouth, posing a choking hazard.
While there have been no reports of injuries associated with the affected garments so far, safety officials emphasize that the risk is significant enough to warrant the large-scale recall and urgent action from consumers.
Which Onesies Are Affected?
The recalled onesies can be identified by the following features:
- Three metal snaps at the bottom for closure
- Made of 100% cotton
- Available in infant sizes 6M, 12M, and 18M
- Sold in 13 solid colors: athletic heather, aquatic blue, candy pink, clover green, jet black, lime, navy, purple, red, royal, sangria, white, and yellow
- Features a blue tag sewn into the neck area with the words “Precious Cargo” and an elephant logo
- Style number CAR40, printed on a white label sewn into the left inside seam
- Sometimes feature a corporate or community organization logo on the front, as many were sold as promotional items
How to Identify a Recalled Onesie
What others are reading
To help consumers determine if their product is affected, here is a quick reference table:
| Characteristic | Details |
|---|---|
| Style Number | CAR40 (on inside left seam label) |
| Sizes | 6 Months, 12 Months, 18 Months |
| Closure Type | Three metal snaps at bottom |
| Colors | Athletic heather, aquatic blue, candy pink, clover green, jet black, lime, navy, purple, red, royal, sangria, white, yellow |
| Tag | Blue neck tag: “Precious Cargo” and elephant logo |
| Additional Marking | Corporate or community logo may appear on front (sold as promotional items) |
Understanding the Choking Hazard
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission and other safety officials, the primary danger lies in the snaps at the bottom of the garments. If these snaps detach, they create a small object that infants could swallow, leading to potential airway obstruction or choking. Although there have been no injuries reported, the possibility of an accident led to a swift, precautionary recall to prevent anyone from being harmed.
Why Choking Hazards Are So Dangerous for Babies
- Infants often place objects in their mouths as part of normal development, increasing risk of choking
- Choking can quickly become life-threatening due to a baby’s narrow airway
- Objects small enough to fit through a toilet paper roll are often hazardous for babies
Recall Process: What Should Parents Do?
Parents and caregivers who own Precious Cargo infant onesies affected by the recall are urged to act immediately. Experts recommend the following steps:
- Stop using the recalled onesies immediately.
- Contact Precious Cargo to initiate the return process and receive a full refund.
- Do not donate or attempt to sell the recalled items. It is illegal to resell or distribute recalled products.
Consumers can reach Precious Cargo toll-free at (888) 770-7018, Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Central Time, or visit their website at www.preciouscargokids.com and follow the instructions listed under Product Recalls for more detailed guidance.
Refund and Remedy Options
- Full refund available to all consumers with affected products
- Instructions provided on Precious Cargo’s website for returning the product safely
- Assistance via toll-free customer service line for those who need help or clarification
Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Advisories
The Consumer Product Safety Commission is a federal agency tasked with monitoring product safety and issuing recalls to prevent deaths, injuries, or property damage. In the case of the Precious Cargo recall, the CPSC emphasized:
- No injuries have been reported so far
- The recall is entirely precautionary, intended to minimize risk
- Federal law prohibits the sale or resale of products that have been recalled—including through second-hand stores or online marketplaces
For more lifesaving safety information, consumers are encouraged to regularly visit the CPSC website, sign up for recall alerts, and report any product-related injuries via www.SaferProducts.gov.
About Precious Cargo and SanMar Corp.
Precious Cargo is a prominent manufacturer of infant and children’s apparel, known for its soft, durable, and colorful onesies. The brand is distributed by SanMar Corporation, headquartered in Issaquah, Washington. Precious Cargo garments are often used for promotional purposes, with businesses, hospitals, and organizations adding their custom logos to distribute these items at events or as branded gifts.
Keeping Children Safe: Product Safety Tips for Parents
The recent recall offers a critical reminder to parents, guardians, and caregivers to always monitor the safety of children’s clothing and toys. Here are some essential product safety tips:
- Routinely inspect baby clothing for loose buttons, snaps, or other small pieces
- Register new products with the manufacturer to receive recall notifications directly
- Purchase from reputable retailers who comply with product recall laws
- Regularly check the CPSC recall database for updates on infant and kids’ products
- Avoid using hand-me-downs without checking for recalls or safety issues
Impact of the Recall: Industry Response and Consumer Awareness
This large-scale recall has highlighted the need for robust safety protocols and vigilance at every stage of the product life cycle—from design and manufacturing to distribution and end-use. Clothing manufacturers are being called upon to reinforce quality assurance processes, and retailers are ramping up customer communications when recalls are announced. For parents, the event serves as a sobering lesson on the importance of staying informed about product safety, especially for products used by infants and young children.
How Product Recalls Work
- Issue Detection: Problems often come to light through consumer complaints, manufacturer testing, or regulatory checks
- Notification: Manufacturers notify regulatory agencies, like the CPSC, and work on a recall strategy
- Public Announcement: Recall notices are distributed through media, company websites, and retailers to inform consumers
- Remediation: Affected consumers are provided with instructions on return procedures, and compensation is issued, usually as a refund or replacement
Preventing Choking Hazards: What Parents Can Do
While recalls aim to prevent harm, parents can further protect their children by following these recommendations:
- Test all fasteners on baby clothing regularly to ensure they are secure
- Do not keep recalled items, even if they seem to be functioning correctly
- Educate caregivers, babysitters, and family members about potential hazards in the nursery and playroom
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Why were Precious Cargo onesies recalled?
A: The recall was issued because the metal snaps on the onesies can detach, creating a choking hazard for infants, even though no injuries had been reported at the time of the recall.
Q: How do I know if my onesie is part of the recall?
A: Check for the blue neck tag labeled “Precious Cargo” with an elephant logo, the style number CAR40 (white label inside the left seam), and verify if your product is in one of the affected sizes and colors listed above.
Q: What should I do if I have a recalled onesie?
A: Stop using the garment immediately, contact Precious Cargo or SanMar Corp. for return instructions, and request your refund. Do not resell or donate the item.
Q: Have any children been injured due to the recalled onesies?
A: No injuries or incidents have been reported to date, but the recall is proactive to avoid potential harm.
Q: Where can I find more information about product recalls?
A: Visit authoritative resources like the CPSC’s official website, sign up for email alerts, or follow regulatory agencies on social media for the latest updates.
Additional Resources for Parents
- Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC): www.cpsc.gov — Reliable recall database and product safety advice
- Precious Cargo (SanMar Corp.): www.preciouscargokids.com — Official recall info and customer service
- SaferProducts.gov: Resource for reporting unsafe products and searching active recalls
Final Reminders for Parents and Caregivers
Product recalls are a crucial part of maintaining child safety in the home. Stay proactive by subscribing to recall notices, staying informed about product hazards, and acting swiftly when a recall is announced—especially for items used by children. If you think you have an affected product, do not delay: follow recall instructions to protect the youngest and most vulnerable members of your family.
References
- https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/baby-clothing-maker-recalls-onesies-due-to-choking-hazard/
- https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2015/Precious-Cargo-Recalls-Infant-One-Piece-Garments
- https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/health/news/a33850/precious-cargo-onesie-recall/
- https://www.kiro7.com/news/precious-cargo-recalls-nearly-500000-infant-onesie/28801204/
- https://kgab.com/precious-cargo-clothing-company-recalls-500000-onesies-for-babies/
- https://cnycentral.com/news/local/recall-precious-cargo-one-piece-outfits-could-pose-choking-hazard
- https://www.wabe.org/precious-cargo-announces-clothing-recall-possible-choking-risk/
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