Bentex Recalls Children's Clothing Sets Due to Violation of the Federal Lead Paint and Lead Content Ban; Lead Poisoning Hazard

What was recalled

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a recall affecting specific children’s clothing sets manufactured by the brand Bentex. This action, announced on November 23, 2022, targets nine distinct Disney-themed styles of apparel. These items are not limited to a single type of garment but encompass a variety of everyday wear for infants, toddlers, and young girls, including jersey leggings sets, bike shorts sets, various short sets, three-pack shorts sets, three-pack pants sets, and additional children’s leggings. The recall is comprehensive regarding the styles involved but specific in its identification of the affected batches.

To determine if you possess one of these recalled items, you must look closely at the labels printed on the clothing itself. The relevant item and batch numbers are located directly on the neck or side label of each garment. It is crucial to check these identifiers against the specific list below, as only certain batches within each style are subject to this recall. The affected products include:

• Jersey Leggings Set (G9P6456M): This 2-piece set for infants through girl’s size 18 features a yellow long-sleeve top with a Minnie Mouse print and black leggings adorned with white and yellow flowers. The recalled batch numbers for this item are 69P6456MI-0122, 79P6456MI-0122, 89P6456MI-0122, 99P6456MI-0122, 69P6456MI-0722, 79P6456MI-0722, 89P6456MI-0722, and 99P6456MI-0722.
• Bike Shorts Set (G1E2125MI): Designed for toddlers, this set includes a red polyester short-sleeve top with Minnie Mouse print and gray shorts featuring black polka dots and Minnie Mouse heads. The specific batch number to watch for is 71E2125MI-0122.
• Girl’s Shorts Set (SP2247971DC): A 2-piece set for toddlers through girl’s sizes 4-6X, consisting of a yellow polyester jersey short-sleeve t-shirt with Winnie the Pooh and "Hello Hunny" print, paired with light blue shorts that have Winnie the Pooh prints and yellow trim. The batch identifier is SP2247971DC 3/2022.
• Girl’s Shorts Set (SP2246088DS): For girl’s sizes 4-16, this set includes a purple jersey t-shirt with four Disney Descendants characters and the text "Wickedly Fierce," along with gray shorts featuring purple trim. The batch number is SP2246088DS 03/2022.
• Boy’s Shorts Set (B2E6459LN): A 100% cotton 2-piece set for newborns and infants, featuring a green long-sleeve top with Grogu (baby Yoda) and frog prints, and green striped shorts with similar prints. The affected batch numbers are 02E6459LN-0322 and 12E6459LN-0322.
• 3 Pack Shorts Set (B2E6919MM): This set contains three pairs of 100% cotton shorts in gray, yellow, and brown with Mickey Mouse prints and matching drawstrings. It is sized for newborns through boy’s sizes 4-7. The recalled batch numbers are 02E6919MM-0322, 12E6919MM-0322, 22E6919MM-0322, and 32E6919MM-0322.
• 3 Pack Pants Set (B2P6920MM): Similar to the shorts set, this includes three pairs of 100% cotton sweatpants in gray, yellow, and brown with Mickey Mouse prints. Sizes range from newborns through boy’s sizes 4-7. The batch numbers are 02P6920MM-0322, 12P6920MM-0322, 22P6920MM-0322, and 32P6920MM-0322.
• Children’s Shorts Set (B2E5094PH): A 100% cotton set for infants and toddlers with a yellow short-sleeve t-shirt featuring Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, and "Just beeing me" print, paired with gray shorts showing Winnie the Pooh and Tigger heads. The batch numbers are 12E5094PH-1021 and 22E5094PH-1021.
• Children’s Leggings Set (G2P6361MI): A polyester jersey set for infants to girl’s sizes 4-7, including a green short-sleeve top with Minnie Mouse and "Best Buds" print, plus pink leggings with white flowers and brown polka dots. The batch numbers are 62P6361MI-0322, 72P6361MI-0322, and 82P6361MI-0322.

The recall was initiated because the textile ink used to paint these designs contains levels of lead that exceed federal safety standards. While the CPSC records do not specify a precise number of units sold or the exact retail locations where these items were purchased, the scope is defined by the specific batch numbers listed above. If you own any of these sets and they match the batch identifiers, they are part of this recall.

The hazard, explained

At the heart of this recall is a silent but serious chemical issue involving lead, a heavy metal that has been known to cause significant health problems in children for decades. The specific problem lies in the textile ink used to create the colorful Disney-themed designs on these Bentex clothing sets. While modern manufacturing standards strictly limit the amount of lead allowed in consumer goods, particularly those intended for young children, the ink painted onto these garments contains levels that exceed both the federal lead paint ban and the federal lead content ban. This means the concentration of lead in the fabric’s decorative elements is dangerously high compared to safety thresholds established to protect public health.

To understand why this matters, it helps to look at how children interact with their clothing. Young children, especially infants and toddlers who are just beginning to explore their environment, have a natural tendency to put things in their mouths. This behavior, known as pica or simply oral exploration, is a normal part of developmental learning. When a child chews on the collar of a shirt, sucks on the hem of leggings, or gnaws on the cuffs of shorts, they are directly exposing themselves to whatever substances are present on those surfaces. If that surface contains lead-laden ink, the metal can transfer from the fabric onto the child’s skin and into their mouth.

Once ingested, lead does not break down easily in the body. Instead, it is absorbed into the bloodstream and can accumulate in bones, teeth, and organs over time. The developing brains and nervous systems of young children are particularly vulnerable to neurotoxins like lead because their biological systems are still forming. Even small amounts of exposure can interfere with cognitive development, potentially leading to long-term issues with learning, behavior, and attention. Unlike some other hazards that might cause immediate physical injury, lead poisoning is insidious; its effects often build up slowly and may not be immediately obvious until developmental delays become apparent.

It is important to note that the hazard here is not necessarily from the fabric itself, but specifically from the printed design. The cotton and polyester materials are generally safe, but the decorative inks used for characters like Minnie Mouse, Winnie the Pooh, and Baby Yoda contain the excess lead. This highlights why safety regulations exist: to ensure that even the colorful, appealing parts of a product do not pose a toxic risk. Because there have been no reported incidents of illness or injury so far, it is crucial to act proactively. The goal is to remove the source of exposure before any harm occurs, ensuring that these fun clothing sets do not become a pathway for lead exposure.

Who is most at risk

The primary group at immediate risk from this Bentex recall consists of infants, toddlers, and young children who wear these specific Disney-themed clothing sets. Because the hazard involves lead—a heavy metal that is particularly dangerous to developing bodies—younger children are disproportionately vulnerable compared to adults or older adolescents. The recalled items range from newborn sizes up to girl’s size 18 and boy’s size 7, covering a wide spectrum of early childhood development where exposure risks are highest.

Infants and toddlers are at the greatest risk because their bodies absorb lead more efficiently than those of adults. A child’s gastrointestinal tract absorbs approximately 40% to 50% of ingested lead, whereas an adult absorbs only about 10% to 15%. This means that even small amounts of lead transferred from the textile ink to a child’s skin and then to their mouth through normal hand-to-mouth behavior can result in significantly higher internal doses. Furthermore, young children are naturally curious and explore their environment by touching objects and putting them in their mouths. Clothing items like leggings, shorts, and t-shirts with printed designs are frequently handled, rubbed against the skin, and often chewed on during teething or simply out of habit, increasing the likelihood that lead particles from the ink could be ingested.

The health consequences of such exposure can be severe and long-lasting. Lead is a potent neurotoxin that interferes with the development of the brain and nervous system. In young children, whose brains are growing rapidly, even low levels of lead exposure can cause irreversible damage. This may manifest as reduced IQ, learning disabilities, attention deficits, behavioral problems, and delays in physical growth. Because these effects are cumulative and often permanent, preventing any exposure is critical. Unlike adults, who may experience symptoms like abdominal pain or fatigue at higher exposure levels, children can suffer developmental harm from much lower concentrations of lead.

While the recall notice indicates that no incidents have been reported to date, the potential for harm remains serious. Parents and caregivers should recognize that risk is not just about current illness but about preventing future cognitive and behavioral challenges. The risk extends beyond just the child wearing the garment; any young sibling who might touch or play with the recalled clothing could also be at risk if lead dust transfers from the fabric to their hands. Therefore, all children under the age of six in households possessing these items should be considered potentially exposed until the issue is resolved.

Additionally, pregnant women and nursing mothers should exercise caution. While the primary route of exposure here is dermal contact and ingestion by the child, general safety principles suggest avoiding any product known to contain hazardous materials during pregnancy to protect fetal development, as lead can cross the placental barrier and affect the unborn child’s brain development.

• Infants (Newborn to 12 months): Highest risk due to teething, hand-to-mouth behavior, and rapid brain growth.
• Toddlers (1 to 3 years): High risk due to active exploration and continued oral fixation.
• Young Children (4 to 7 years): Moderate to high risk as they continue to engage in play that may involve touching faces or mouths after handling fabrics.

How to tell if you have the recalled item

Because the Bentex recall covers a wide variety of children’s clothing sets featuring popular Disney characters, identifying whether your specific garments are part of this safety notice requires careful attention to detail. The products in question are not limited to a single type of outfit; instead, they encompass nine distinct styles ranging from jersey leggings and bike shorts to various shorts sets and three-pack pants bundles. These items were designed for infants, toddlers, and young girls and boys, typically in sizes from newborn through size 18. To determine if your wardrobe is affected, you must look beyond the colorful Disney graphics of Minnie Mouse, Winnie the Pooh, Grogu (Baby Yoda), or Mickey Mouse, which adorn the fabrics, and focus strictly on the technical labels sewn into the garments.

The most reliable method for verification is to locate the specific batch numbers printed on the neck or side label of each piece of clothing. These alphanumeric codes are your primary key to confirming whether an item is included in this recall. Please check each set individually, as even items with similar appearances may have different production batches. The following styles and corresponding batch numbers are confirmed to be part of this recall:

• Jersey Leggings Set (G9P6456M): Look for a 100% polyester two-piece set with a yellow long-sleeve Minnie Mouse top and black floral leggings. Affected batch numbers include 69P6456MI-0122, 79P6456MI-0122, 89P6456MI-0122, 99P6456MI-0122, 69P6456MI-0722, 79P6456MI-0722, 89P6456MI-0722, and 99P6456MI-0722.
• Bike Shorts Set (G1E2125MI): This toddler set features a red polyester Minnie Mouse top and gray polka-dot shorts. Check for batch number 71E2125MI-0122.
• Girl’s Shorts Set (SP2247971DC): A yellow Winnie the Pooh t-shirt paired with light blue shorts. Look for the date code 3/2022 near the style number.
• Girl’s Shorts Set (SP2246088DS): A purple Descendants-themed top with gray shorts. Verify the date code 03/2022.
• Boy’s Shorts Set (B2E6459LN): A green Grogu and frog print set for newborns. Check for batch numbers 02E6459LN-0322 and 12E6459LN-0322.
• 3 Pack Shorts Set (B2E6919MM): Gray, yellow, and brown Mickey Mouse shorts. Affected batches include 02E6919MM-0322, 12E6919MM-0322, 22E6919MM-0322, and 32E6919MM-0322.
• 3 Pack Pants Set (B2P6920MM): Gray, yellow, and brown Mickey Mouse sweatpants. Check for batches 02P6920MM-0322, 12P6920MM-0322, 22P6920MM-0322, and 32P6920MM-0322.
• Children’s Shorts Set (B2E5094PH): A yellow Winnie the Pooh top with gray shorts. Look for batches 12E5094PH-1021 and 22E5094PH-1021.
• Children’s Leggings Set (G2P6361MI): A green Minnie Mouse top with pink floral leggings. Verify batches 62P6361MI-0322, 72P6361MI-0322, and 82P6361MI-0322.

If you cannot find a label, or if the batch numbers do not match the lists above, your item is likely not part of this specific recall. However, when in doubt about any children’s clothing purchased recently, it is always wise to err on the side of caution and contact the manufacturer directly for clarification.

What to do — step by step

Your refund, repair, or replacement options

If you have identified one of the recalled Bentex children’s clothing sets in your home, the good news is that the remedy for this recall is straightforward and entirely focused on giving your money back. Because the hazard involves lead content exceeding federal safety limits in the textile ink, there is no option to repair, clean, or replace the specific items with a safe version of the same product. Instead, the recall instructions are clear: you should receive a full refund for the recalled items. This approach ensures that the potentially hazardous material is removed from your home without any cost to you, allowing you to purchase safer alternatives if needed.

To initiate this process, you need to contact Bentex directly using one of the channels they have established for this specific recall event. The company has set up dedicated support lines and digital portals to handle these requests efficiently. You can reach their customer service team by phone at 800-451-0285. It is important to note their operating hours, as availability varies by day of the week. They are available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time on Monday through Thursday. On Fridays, their hours are slightly shorter, running from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Eastern Time. If you prefer written communication or need to send documentation, you can also email them directly at recall@bentex.com.

For those who prefer to manage returns online, Bentex has created specific landing pages for this recall. You can visit www.bentex.com/recall or go to their main site at www.bentex.com and click on the "Recall" link located at the top of the page. These digital resources are designed to guide you through the next steps. While the primary remedy is a full refund, the instructions emphasize that consumers should contact Bentex for specific guidance on how to proceed. This likely includes instructions on whether you need to return the physical clothing items or if you can dispose of them safely. The recall notice specifically states that you should contact them for "instructions on how to return or dispose of the recalled clothing." This flexibility is helpful, as it may allow you to discard the items locally without the hassle of shipping them back, depending on what Bentex decides is feasible for their logistics.

When you reach out to Bentex, be prepared to provide details about the specific set you have. Since the recall covers nine different Disney-themed styles, including sets featuring Minnie Mouse, Winnie the Pooh, Grogu (Baby Yoda), Mickey Mouse, and Descendants characters, having the exact product name and batch number will speed up the process. These numbers are printed on the neck or side label of the clothing. Providing this information ensures that customer service representatives can verify your item against the recall list immediately and authorize your refund without unnecessary delays. Remember, the goal here is to remove the lead hazard from your child's environment as quickly and safely as possible, so taking these steps promptly is highly recommended.

What can happen if you ignore it

It is natural to feel hesitant about discarding or returning a new item of children’s clothing, especially when it features beloved characters your child already loves. However, ignoring this recall carries significant and lasting health risks that far outweigh the inconvenience of a return. The core issue with these Bentex clothing sets is not a structural defect like a loose button or a torn seam; it is a chemical hazard embedded in the very fabric that touches your child’s skin. The textile ink used for the Disney-themed prints contains lead levels that exceed federal safety limits. Because young children are naturally curious and often put their hands, clothes, and toys in their mouths, there is a real possibility that they could ingest microscopic particles of this paint through chewing on collars, cuffs, or seams.

Lead is a potent neurotoxin with no known safe level of exposure for children. Unlike some immediate injuries, the dangers of lead poisoning are often cumulative and invisible in the short term. When lead enters a child’s body, it can interfere with the development of their brain and nervous system. This interference does not always present with dramatic, obvious symptoms right away. Instead, it can manifest as subtle but serious long-term issues, including delayed growth, hearing problems, and difficulties in school such as shortened attention spans and behavioral challenges. Because children’s bodies are still developing, they absorb lead more easily than adults, and their smaller body mass means that even small amounts of exposure can have a disproportionately large impact on their health.

While the recall notice states that no incidents or injuries have been reported to date, this silence is not a guarantee of safety. It simply means that harm has not yet been documented or linked to these specific items. Relying on the absence of reported cases as an excuse to keep the clothing is risky because lead poisoning can occur without immediate warning signs. By continuing to use these recalled sets, you are allowing your child ongoing exposure to a toxic substance that offers no benefit and poses a clear threat. The consequences of ignoring the recall are not just about violating a regulation; they are about protecting your child’s developing brain from unnecessary chemical stress. Once lead is absorbed into the body, it can remain there for years, potentially causing irreversible damage even if exposure stops later. The only way to eliminate this risk entirely is to remove the source from your home immediately.

Choosing not to act also means missing the opportunity for a full refund. While the financial loss of the clothing item is minor compared to health risks, keeping the product unnecessarily extends the window of potential exposure. The most prudent path is to prioritize your child’s long-term cognitive and physical well-being over the convenience of wearing these outfits one more time. Your vigilance now prevents future health complications that cannot be easily undone.

Staying safe: broader tips

While this specific recall addresses a particular batch of children's clothing with excessive lead in the textile ink, the underlying lesson applies to all products we bring into our homes for our youngest family members. Lead exposure is a silent, cumulative risk that does not discriminate by brand or price point. Because young children naturally explore their environment through touch and taste, they are uniquely vulnerable to heavy metal contamination found in paints, plastics, ceramics, and even the dyes used in fabrics. Understanding how to proactively manage these risks can provide lasting peace of mind beyond any single news alert.

First, make product safety an active part of your shopping routine rather than a reactive one. Always check for age-grading labels on toys and clothing; items marked with choking hazards or small parts are not safe for infants who put everything in their mouths. When buying second-hand furniture, cribs, or older decorative items, be wary of peeling paint or chipping finishes, which are common indicators of lead-based paints from before the 1978 ban. If you live in an older home, consider having your water tested if your plumbing includes lead pipes or solder, as water can leach heavy metals over time regardless of municipal treatment standards.

Diet plays a surprisingly significant role in protecting children against heavy metal absorption. Nutrients such as calcium, iron, and vitamin C act as biological buffers that can reduce the body’s uptake of lead. Ensuring your child has a balanced diet rich in dairy products, lean meats, leafy greens, and citrus fruits helps build strong bones and blood, making them less susceptible to absorbing toxins from their environment. This nutritional defense is a powerful, everyday tool that complements physical safety measures.

Finally, establish a regular habit of checking for recalls, but do so strategically. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) maintains an online database where you can search by product type or manufacturer. Set aside time each quarter to review recent alerts, particularly for high-use items like car seats, strollers, and children’s jewelry. You can also sign up for email notifications from the CPSC to receive immediate updates on new safety threats. By staying informed and maintaining a clean, well-nourished environment, you create a robust layer of protection that goes far beyond checking a single label.