H.I.S. Recalls Girl's Clothing Sets Due to Violation of Federal Lead Content Ban

What was recalled

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a recall for specific girl’s clothing sets manufactured and distributed by the brand H.I.S., sold under their “Self-Esteem” line. This action, announced on November 8, 2018, targets a particular subset of apparel that was designed to be both fashionable and functional for young girls, but which unfortunately contained a component that failed to meet federal safety standards. The core issue lies not with the fabric or the cut of the garments themselves, but with an accessory included in the set: a necklace featuring a metal pendant.

To help you identify exactly what is involved, it is important to look at the specific composition of these recalled sets. Each affected clothing bundle consisted of three distinct items: a short-sleeve teal top characterized by cut-out shoulders, a pair of navy blue leggings adorned with a teal floral print, and the aforementioned pendant necklace. The necklace itself is quite distinctive, featuring a gold leaf design with an orange and teal center. While these colors and styles may appear appealing to shoppers looking for coordinated outfits, they are part of the specific inventory flagged by regulators.

If you are trying to determine whether you own one of these items, you must check the internal labeling of the garments carefully. The recalled clothing sets were sold in girl’s sizes ranging from 4x to 12x. Crucially, each set includes a white label sewn into the inside of the garment. On this label, you will find specific production details that serve as the primary identifiers for this recall. You need to look for the style number PO#71160/LOT9 and a date of production marked as 10/2017. These alphanumeric codes and the production month are critical; without them, it is difficult to confirm if your specific item falls within the scope of this safety alert.

Understanding the context of this recall helps clarify why these particular items were targeted. The H.I.S. brand distributed these sets through various retail channels, but the defining factor for inclusion in the recall is not just the retailer, but the specific production lot and style number mentioned above. The company has acknowledged the violation and established a direct line of communication for consumers who need assistance or further clarification regarding their purchase. By focusing on these precise details—the teal top, navy leggings, gold leaf pendant, size range 4x-12x, and the specific PO#71160/LOT9 label produced in October 2017—you can accurately determine if your home contains any of the affected products.

The hazard, explained

When we talk about a recall for lead in jewelry or clothing accessories, it is important to understand exactly what is happening at a material level and why the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) treats this with such urgency. In the case of these Self-Esteem brand girl's clothing sets, the specific issue lies within the metal pendant attached to the necklace. While the exterior may look like standard gold-colored hardware, the internal composition of that metal has been found to contain levels of lead that exceed the federal lead content ban. This is not merely a cosmetic concern; it is a chemical safety failure.

Lead is a heavy metal that does not break down or dissipate over time. When it is present in an item like a necklace pendant, it remains chemically stable but physically accessible. The primary mechanism of harm here is ingestion. Children, particularly those in the size range affected by this recall (4x-12x), have natural exploratory behaviors. They put hands and objects in their mouths to learn about their world. If a child bites, chews, or sucks on the pendant, microscopic particles of lead can be transferred from the metal surface directly into the mouth. Even if the pendant does not visibly chip or flake, lead can still migrate onto the skin and subsequently be ingested through normal hand-to-mouth contact.

Once inside the body, lead is absorbed into the bloodstream. Unlike some substances that the body can easily filter out, lead tends to accumulate in bones, teeth, and soft tissues over time. This accumulation is what makes it so dangerous. For young children, whose bodies are still developing rapidly, even small amounts of lead can interfere with critical biological processes. It disrupts the development of the nervous system, potentially leading to long-term adverse health issues such as behavioral problems, learning disabilities, reduced IQ, and slowed growth. The toxicity is not immediate in the sense of acute poisoning from a single exposure, but rather cumulative; repeated or prolonged contact increases the risk significantly.

The federal ban exists because there is no known safe level of lead exposure for children. Their bodies absorb lead much more efficiently than adults do, and their developing brains are far more vulnerable to its toxic effects. Therefore, a product that violates this ban is considered defective and unreasonably dangerous. The hazard isn't just about the presence of the metal; it is about the accessibility of that metal to a consumer who is legally and physically incapable of avoiding it through careful supervision alone. This is why the remedy requires immediate removal from the home: to break the chain of exposure before any potential health damage occurs.

Who is most at risk

The primary group at risk in this recall consists of young girls who wear the Self-Esteem brand clothing sets described by H.I.S. Specifically, the hazard targets children who are wearing or have access to the necklaces that come packaged with these garments. The recalled items were sold in girl’s sizes ranging from 4x to 12x, which typically corresponds to toddlers and young school-aged children. These age groups are particularly vulnerable because their behavior naturally involves exploring their environment through touch and taste. A child in this developmental stage is far more likely to put jewelry in their mouth, chew on the pendant, or inadvertently swallow small pieces if the necklace breaks during play or while sleeping.

The specific danger here stems from the composition of the metal pendant. According to the CPSC recall notice, the pendant contains levels of lead that exceed the federal lead content ban. Lead is a potent neurotoxin that poses severe health risks when ingested by young children. Unlike adults, whose bodies can process and eliminate small amounts of toxins more effectively, a child’s body absorbs lead much more readily. Once inside the system, lead can accumulate in bones, teeth, and soft tissues, interfering with critical biological processes. Because children are still growing, their developing brains and nervous systems are exceptionally sensitive to toxic exposure. Even low levels of lead can disrupt cognitive development, potentially leading to learning disabilities, behavioral problems, and reduced IQ that may persist throughout life.

While the recall report states that no incidents have been reported at this time, the potential for harm is significant due to the nature of the product. The recalled clothing set includes a short-sleeve teal top with cut-out shoulders, navy blue leggings with a teal floral print, and the problematic necklace with an orange and teal center. Because the necklace is attached to or included with the outfit, it is easy for parents or caregivers to overlook its presence as a separate hazard. A child might wear the entire set for playdates, parties, or everyday activities, keeping the lead-containing pendant in close contact with their skin and mouth for extended periods. The risk is not limited to the child wearing the item; siblings or other children who handle the clothing or try on the necklace also face exposure if they put the pendant in their mouths.

Elderly individuals are not considered the primary at-risk group for this specific recall, as the product is explicitly designed for girls’ sizes 4x-12x. However, any individual with compromised health conditions that affect how toxins are processed could theoretically be more susceptible to adverse effects if exposed. Nevertheless, the focus remains squarely on pediatric populations. Young children have smaller bodies and less developed blood-brain barriers, meaning that a quantity of lead that might cause minor issues for an adult could result in serious poisoning for a child. Therefore, immediate removal of the necklace from any environment where young children are present is crucial to preventing accidental ingestion or prolonged exposure.

How to tell if you have the recalled item

If you purchased a girl’s clothing set from H.I.S. recently, particularly around late 2017 or early 2018, it is crucial to verify whether your specific garment is part of this recall before assuming it is safe for wear. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has identified a very specific subset of merchandise that poses a risk due to excessive lead content in the attached jewelry component. Because these items are sold as complete outfits rather than standalone accessories, you need to examine the entire ensemble and its labeling carefully to confirm if it matches the recalled products.

The primary identifier for this recall is the brand name. You must look for the label “Self-Esteem” on the garment tags. If your clothing set does not carry this specific brand designation, it is not part of this particular safety alert. However, even with the correct brand, you need to check the style number and lot information to be absolutely certain. Look for a white label sewn into the inside of the garment. On this label, you will find the style number listed as PO#71160/LOT9. Additionally, verify the date of production printed on that same label; the recalled items were produced in October 2017 (10/2017). If the lot number or production date does not match these exact details, your item is likely not affected by this recall.

In addition to the textual identifiers, you can often identify the recalled sets by their distinct physical appearance and color scheme. The recalled clothing sets consist of three specific items designed for girls in sizes 4x through 12x. First, check the top: it should be a short-sleeve teal-colored shirt featuring cut-out shoulders. Second, examine the bottoms: they should be navy blue legging pants adorned with a teal floral print. Finally, and most importantly for the safety hazard, look for the accessory included in the set. The recalled items come with a pendant necklace that features a gold leaf design with an orange and teal center. If your outfit matches this description—teal top with cut-outs, navy leggings with teal flowers, and the specific two-toned pendant necklace—and bears the Self-Esteem label with style PO#71160/LOT9 produced in 10/2017, you have a recalled item that must be removed from use immediately.

When inspecting your clothing, ensure you check all components of the set. Sometimes accessories are stored separately, so look inside the packaging or drawers where the outfit might have been kept. The presence of the necklace is the critical factor in this recall, as the hazard lies within the metal pendant rather than the fabric itself. Do not rely solely on the size or color, as manufacturers often produce similar-looking items in different lots. The combination of the brand, style number, lot code, production date, and specific design elements is what confirms whether your child’s clothing set is subject to this recall.

What to do — step by step

Your refund, repair, or replacement options

If you have determined that the girl’s clothing set you purchased is part of this recall, the primary remedy offered by H.I.S. is a full refund. It is important to understand that there is no option for repair in this specific instance. Because the hazard involves lead contamination within the metal pendant of the necklace, the product cannot be simply "fixed" or have the dangerous component removed without potentially compromising the integrity of the item or leaving sharp edges that could cause injury. Therefore, the manufacturer has deemed replacement with a safe version as impossible for this specific lot, and the only viable path to resolution is returning the item entirely.

To initiate this process, you must take the recalled clothing set back to the exact store where you originally purchased it. This is a crucial step because H.I.S. has arranged for the retailers to handle the logistics of the return. When you bring the item back, do not hesitate to ask for assistance if you are unsure about the process. Most major retailers are well-versed in handling CPSC recalls and should be able to guide you through their specific return protocols. You will receive a full refund for the purchase price of the set. This means you get your money back, regardless of whether you have a receipt, although having your original proof of purchase will always make the transaction smoother and faster.

If you are unable to return the item to the store for any reason, or if you need more detailed information about the recall before proceeding, you can contact H.I.S. directly. They have established dedicated channels to assist consumers during this period. You may call them at 800-451-0285, extension 2879. These phone lines are staffed from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. This is the most direct way to confirm your eligibility or to ask specific questions about the refund process that might not be covered by the store’s general return policy.

Alternatively, you can reach out via email at address-info@his-nyc.com. If you prefer to manage this online, visit www.his-nyc.com and navigate to the "Product Safety Recall" section. This online resource should provide updated details about the recall status and any additional instructions that may have been released after the initial November 2018 announcement. Please note that while this information was current as of the official recall date, policies can evolve, so checking their website is always a good practice if your return is delayed.

Remember, the goal here is to remove the hazard from your home completely. The refund process is designed to be straightforward and consumer-friendly, ensuring that you are not penalized for a safety violation that was out of your control. By returning the item, you are not only getting your money back but also helping to keep other families safe by removing these contaminated sets from circulation.

What can happen if you ignore it

When a recall notice states that a product contains hazardous levels of lead, the instruction to stop using the item is not merely bureaucratic red tape; it is a critical boundary for health and safety. Ignoring this directive and continuing to use the recalled Self-Esteem girl’s clothing sets with the gold leaf pendant necklace exposes children to a silent, cumulative threat. Lead is a potent neurotoxin that does not simply wash off or wear away easily. For young children, particularly those in the size range of 4x to 12x for whom these sets were designed, the risk is compounded by their natural developmental behaviors and physiological vulnerabilities.

The primary mechanism of harm in this scenario is ingestion or chronic hand-to-mouth contact. Children often explore their environment through touch and taste. A necklace with a pendant is especially dangerous because it rests near the mouth and can be easily grabbed, chewed on, or bitten during play. The metal pendant in question contains lead levels that exceed the federal ban. If a child chips, scratches, or bites the pendant, microscopic particles of lead-contaminated material can be transferred directly into their digestive system. Even if the child does not swallow large chunks, the accumulation of tiny amounts of lead over time is what makes this hazard so insidious. Unlike an acute injury that happens instantly, lead poisoning builds up silently in the body’s tissues and bones.

The consequences of ignoring this recall are severe because there is no safe known level of exposure to lead for children. Their bodies are still developing rapidly, and their brains are highly susceptible to toxic damage. Exposure to high levels of lead can interfere with essential biological processes, leading to serious adverse health issues. These can include irreversible cognitive deficits, such as lowered IQ and learning disabilities, attention disorders, and behavioral problems. In more extreme cases of significant exposure, it can cause damage to the kidneys, hearing loss, and seizures. Because children absorb lead more efficiently than adults and their brains are more sensitive to its toxic effects, the window for prevention is narrow.

It is important to note that while the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) report for this specific H.I.S. recall indicates that no incidents or injuries have been reported to date, the absence of reported cases does not mean the product is safe. Many cases of lead exposure go undiagnosed because symptoms can be subtle or mimic other common childhood behaviors. Relying on the hope that "nothing has happened yet" is a dangerous gamble with your child’s long-term neurological health. The potential cost of ignoring this warning—permanent cognitive impairment—is far too high to risk it for the sake of convenience or saving a few dollars. Immediate removal and return of the necklace are the only ways to guarantee that your child does not become part of a future statistic.

Staying safe: broader tips

While this specific recall addresses a particular manufacturing defect in children’s jewelry, it highlights a broader and very real concern regarding heavy metals in everyday items. Lead is not just a hazard in necklaces; it can be found in vintage toys, painted furniture, imported ceramics, and even some soil near older homes. Because lead poisoning often has no immediate, obvious symptoms, prevention relies on proactive habits rather than reactive measures. One of the most effective steps you can take is to regularly check for recalls on items currently in your home. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) maintains a searchable database where you can look up products by brand or type. Signing up for email alerts from the CPSC ensures that you are notified immediately when new hazards are identified, allowing you to act before an incident occurs.

When shopping for children’s clothing and accessories, especially those with metal components like zippers, snaps, or decorative pendants, it is wise to be extra vigilant. Look for items that meet current safety standards and avoid products from unknown brands or overseas marketplaces that may not adhere to strict federal lead content bans. If you notice any chipping paint on toys or furniture, or if a metal piece feels unusually heavy or poorly finished, it is better to err on the side of caution. Regularly washing children’s hands, particularly before eating and after playing with older toys or handling items from thrift stores, can significantly reduce the risk of ingesting lead dust or residues that may have accumulated over time.

Beyond checking individual products, consider conducting a home safety audit. If you live in a home built before 1978, it is highly likely that lead-based paint was used. You can hire a certified professional to test your home for lead hazards or use EPA-approved test kits for initial screening. For older items, such as vintage jewelry or decorative pieces, keep them out of reach of young children who might put them in their mouths. Finally, ensure that your family’s water supply is safe by using a filter certified to remove lead if you suspect your pipes are old, and always run cold water for a few minutes before using it for cooking or drinking. These general practices create a layered defense, protecting your family from a variety of common household hazards beyond just the immediate scope of any single recall.