CPSC, Consolidated Stores Announce Mini-Hammock Recall

WASHINGTON, D.C. In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Consolidated Stores Corporation of Columbus, Ohio, is recalling 26,000 mini- hammocks, which do not have spreader bars to hold the hammock bed open. Without spreader bars, children can become entangled and strangle while getting in or out of a hammock.

Since 1975, CPSC has received reports of 17 children between the ages of 5 and 17 who strangled while using mini-hammocks without spreader bars that were manufactured by various companies. CPSC is also 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.

Mini-hammocks are light-weight, nylon mesh hammocks without spreader bars. Consolidated Stores mini-hammocks measure 7 feet wide by 20 feet long with nylon ropes at each end. Consolidated sold the hammocks nationwide in 1990 and 1991 for $3.99 each at its Big Lots and Odd Lots stores.

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

CPSC staff is investigating other mini-hammock manufacturers and importers to determine whether their hammocks present similar entanglement risks.