What was recalled
In August of 2017, a specific line of infant clothing was pulled from store shelves following a safety review by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The recall centers on infant shortall rompers manufactured by Fabri-Tech. These were not generic items found in every department store; they were exclusive merchandise sold only at Cracker Barrel Old Country Stores® locations across the country. If you have not visited a Cracker Barrel since late 2016 or early 2017, it is unlikely you would have this specific item in your home, but for families who shopped there during that window, this recall is very relevant.
The affected products are the red and white-checkered rompers featuring a distinctive toolbox design printed on the front. These garments were designed for babies and toddlers, specifically available in four sizes: 6 months, 9 months, 12 months, and 18 months. The visual style was intended to be playful and thematic, but it is the construction details that triggered the recall. Each romper featured two buttons located at the top of the shoulder straps, which were designed to button over the shoulders for a secure fit. While this design is common in infant clothing, the specific implementation on these Fabri-Tech rompers posed a risk because the buttons could detach during normal wear and use.
To identify if you have one of these recalled items, you need to look closely at the neck label inside the garment. The recall notice specifies that the affected rompers will clearly display the brand name "Fabri-Tech" on the label. Additionally, the label will contain the text "SHANGHAI," indicating the place of manufacture, and a purchase order number printed as "PO# 906512 PD 12/8/16." The presence of this specific purchase order number and manufacturing origin is the definitive way to distinguish these rompers from other similar-looking items that may have been sold at Cracker Barrel before or after this period. It is important to check for all three of these identifiers, as the style alone might not be enough if other vendors sold similar "toolbox" themed clothing.
The scope of this recall was limited to the specific production run identified by the PO number and the exclusive sales channel. Because these items were sold exclusively at Cracker Barrel, there is no need to check online marketplaces or other retail chains for these specific units. However, if you have a similar romper from a different brand or with a different label, it does not fall under this particular CPSC action. The decision to recall was driven by the potential for the shoulder buttons to come loose, creating a small object that could be placed in an infant’s mouth. While no serious injuries were reported at the time of the recall, one incident involved an infant putting a detached button in his mouth, which is exactly the type of choking hazard the CPSC seeks to prevent before it results in harm.
The hazard, explained
At the heart of this recall is a simple but dangerous mechanical failure: the buttons on the shoulder straps of Fabri-Tech’s infant rompers are not securely attached to the fabric. In a garment designed for babies who cannot yet walk or speak clearly, every component must withstand significant stress because infants explore their world by pulling, tugging, and chewing. The specific defect here involves the two buttons located at the top of the straps that button over the shoulders. While these buttons may appear firmly sewn into place when the garment is brand new, the underlying stitching or attachment mechanism is insufficient to hold them fast under normal wear conditions. As a baby moves, wriggles, or pulls on their own clothing, the force exerted on these shoulder points can cause the button to detach completely from the romper.
Once detached, the small plastic or metal button becomes a loose object in the infant’s immediate environment. For a child under two years old, who frequently puts hands and objects into their mouth as a primary way of learning and soothing themselves, this creates an immediate choking hazard. The size and shape of these buttons are particularly concerning because they fit easily into a small airway. When a foreign object blocks the trachea (windpipe), it prevents air from reaching the lungs. This is not a minor inconvenience; it is a life-threatening emergency that can lead to unconsciousness or death within minutes if not addressed immediately.
We know from pediatric safety data that infants are especially vulnerable to this type of hazard because their airways are tiny—often no wider than a drinking straw—and they lack the protective cough reflexes that older children and adults have. A small button can slip past the vocal cords and lodge deep in the bronchial tubes, where it is difficult to dislodge without medical intervention. The recall notice confirms that this is not just a theoretical risk: Fabri-Tech has already received one report of an infant putting a detached button in his mouth. While no injuries were reported in that specific instance, the potential for harm is severe and real.
It is important to understand that this hazard is not limited to the moment the button falls off. Even if the button remains attached but becomes loose enough to rotate or shift, it can still pose a risk if an infant manages to bite through the thread or pull it free during play. The danger is compounded by the fact that these rompers are designed with a toolbox motif and checkered patterns that may be visually appealing to parents, potentially distracting them from inspecting the integrity of the fasteners over time. Regular checks for loose buttons are critical because wear and tear accelerate quickly in baby clothing due to frequent washing and vigorous movement.
Ultimately, the mechanism of injury here is straightforward: a failure of attachment leads to a small, hard object becoming accessible to an infant’s mouth, which can result in airway obstruction. This is why the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) considers such defects so serious. They do not wait for injuries to occur before acting; they act on the presence of the hazard itself. By removing these rompers from circulation, the goal is to prevent any future incidents where a detached button could become a deadly projectile in a baby’s mouth.
Who is most at risk
The primary group at immediate risk in this recall consists of infants and very young toddlers who have been wearing the recalled Fabri-Tech shortall rompers. Specifically, children in sizes 6 months, 9 months, 12 months, and 18 months are the ones who may be exposed to danger if they possess these particular garments. Because the hazard involves small detachable buttons located on the shoulder straps, the risk is directly tied to a child’s developmental stage. Babies and toddlers in this age bracket are naturally curious and explore their environment primarily through touch and taste. They frequently put objects in their mouths as a way of learning about textures and shapes, making them uniquely vulnerable to choking hazards that older children might simply ignore or drop.
The vulnerability is heightened by the specific design of the romper. The buttons are positioned at the top of the shoulder straps, right where they fasten over the baby’s shoulders. This placement means that if a button becomes loose or detaches during normal wear, it falls directly within the reach and line of sight of the infant. For a child under two years old, even a small plastic button is large enough to become lodged in the airway, causing a complete blockage. Infants have narrow tracheas (windpipes), and their ability to cough forcefully enough to dislodge an object may not be fully developed. This makes any small, hard object that detaches from clothing a serious threat, not just an inconvenience.
While the recall notice confirms only one reported incident where an infant placed a detached button in his mouth, no injuries were reported, we must consider the potential severity of such events. A choking incident can escalate rapidly. Parents and caregivers need to understand that the risk is not limited to children who are actively playing with the garment; it exists whenever the child is wearing the romper. The buttons could detach during dressing, undressing, or simply from the friction of movement against other surfaces. Therefore, any infant who has worn these red and white-checkered rompers with the toolbox design should be considered potentially exposed until the item is removed from circulation.
It is also important to note that while the recall targets infants, the people most at risk of missing this hazard are often the caregivers themselves. Older relatives, babysitters, or daycare providers who may have received these rompers as gifts might not immediately recognize the subtle danger of a shoulder button. They might assume that because the romper looks sturdy and well-made, it is safe for everyday wear. This is why identifying the specific product details—such as the "Fabri-Tech SHANGHAI" label and the specific purchase order number—is crucial. The risk is highest for any household that purchased these rompers exclusively from Cracker Barrel Old Country Stores and has not yet inspected the shoulder straps for looseness.
In summary, the most at-risk individuals are infants aged 6 to 18 months who wear or have worn this specific Fabri-Tech romper. Their natural tendency to mouth objects combined with the small size of the detachable buttons creates a perfect storm for choking. Caregivers should act quickly to remove these items from their homes, not because an injury has already occurred to every child, but because the potential for harm is real and preventable. By understanding who is vulnerable, we can better appreciate the urgency of this recall and take immediate steps to protect our youngest family members.
How to tell if you have the recalled item
If you suspect you might have one of these recalled rompers in your home, the first step is to pause and carefully inspect the garment. Because this recall involves a specific brand sold exclusively at a particular retailer, you can narrow your search significantly. This recall affects infant shortall rompers manufactured by Fabri-Tech. These items were not sold in general department stores or online marketplaces; they were distributed exclusively through Cracker Barrel Old Country Stores. If you purchased the romper at a different location, it is likely safe from this specific recall notice.
Next, look closely at the design and color of the romper. The recalled items are distinctively styled to resemble a little mechanic’s outfit. They feature a red and white-checkered pattern across the fabric. On the front of the garment, there is a printed or applied toolbox design. This visual theme is consistent across all affected units, so if your romper looks like a generic plain-colored onesie or features a different print entirely, it is not part of this recall.
The most critical step for identification is checking the neck label. You need to find the manufacturer’s tag sewn into the inside back of the neck area. On the recalled rompers, this label will clearly display the brand name Fabri-Tech. Below the brand name, you will see the word "SHANGHAI", indicating the place of manufacture. Just below that, look for a specific purchase order number printed as "PO# 906512 PD 12/8/16". If this exact string of text is present on the label, the item is definitely part of the recall.
You should also verify the size of the romper, as the recall covers four specific infant sizes: 6 months, 9 months, 12 months, and 18 months. The recalled rompers are designed with shoulder straps that button over the shoulders. There are two buttons located at the top of these straps. While size alone does not confirm a recall, the combination of the Fabri-Tech brand, the Shanghai origin, the specific PO number, and the one of the four listed sizes confirms the item is affected. If you find all these markers, please stop using the romper immediately and follow the return instructions provided by the manufacturer.
What to do — step by step
If you own one of these recalled Fabri-Tech infant rompers, the most important thing you can do is act quickly and calmly. The recall notice from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) provides two clear paths for resolving this issue, but both begin with the same critical first step: immediate cessation of use. You should stop using the recalled romper right away. Do not wait to see if another button might come loose, and do not plan to save it for a younger sibling or pass it along to friends and family. The hazard here is specific and serious; the buttons on the shoulder straps are known to detach, creating a small object that an infant could easily place in their mouth. By removing the item from your home’s daily routine immediately, you eliminate the risk of injury entirely. This is not a minor inconvenience; it is a necessary safety measure until the product is properly addressed. Once you have secured the romper away from any children, you must choose how to return it for your full refund. The recall facts indicate that consumers have two distinct options for this process, and you are free to choose whichever method is most convenient for you. The first option is perhaps the most straightforward for those who frequent the retailer where the item was purchased. You can take the recalled romper directly to any Cracker Barrel Old Country Store® location. Because these rompers were sold exclusively at Cracker Barrel, their customer service teams are equipped to handle this specific recall. When you visit the store, simply present the item to a staff member. They will process your return and issue a full refund. This option is ideal if you want to resolve the matter in person without dealing with shipping logistics or mailing packages. If visiting a physical store is not feasible for you, Fabri-Tech has established an alternative remedy to ensure you can still receive your full refund. You can contact Fabri-Tech directly to arrange for the return. To do this, call their dedicated recall hotline at 800-285-1295. It is important to note their specific hours of operation to avoid long hold times or missed calls. They are available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time on Monday through Thursday, and on Friday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Eastern Time. When you call, a representative will assist you in obtaining a prepaid shipping label. This label is crucial because it means you do not have to pay for the return shipping costs yourself. Once you have the label, package the romper securely and send it back as instructed. After they receive the item, they will process your full refund. You can also find additional information and potentially initiate this process online by visiting www.fabritech.biz and clicking on the "Recall Notice" section. Whichever path you choose, ensure you keep any receipts or confirmation numbers until the refund is fully processed in your account.Your refund, repair, or replacement options
If you have located the recalled Fabri-Tech infant romper in your home, take a deep breath and know that you are not alone. Companies issue these recalls precisely because they want to resolve the issue for you, and in this case, the remedy is straightforward and generous: you will receive a full refund. There is no need to worry about partial credits or store-specific coupons. The goal here is to remove the hazard from your life entirely while putting the money back in your pocket. You have two distinct paths to achieve this outcome, and both are designed to be as convenient as possible for busy parents.
The most direct route, if you live near a physical location, is to take the item back to any Cracker Barrel Old Country Store®. Since these rompers were sold exclusively at their stores, the retailers have been equipped to handle these returns. You simply need to bring the romper to the customer service desk. The staff there are trained to process these specific recall refunds immediately. This option is often the quickest because you do not have to wait for mail processing or shipping confirmations. You walk in with the item, and you walk out with your money back. It is a simple exchange of goods for cash that requires no phone calls or paperwork on your part.
If you do not live near a Cracker Barrel or prefer to handle things from the comfort of your home, Fabri-Tech has set up a dedicated support channel for this recall. You can contact them directly at 800-285-1295. Their customer service team is available Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time, and on Fridays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Eastern Time. When you call, explain that you have the recalled red and white-checkered romper with the toolbox design. They will provide you with a prepaid shipping label. This is a crucial detail: you do not pay for shipping. The company covers the cost entirely so that financial barriers do not prevent you from returning the unsafe product.
Once you have the label, simply attach it to a box or envelope containing the romper and drop it off at your local post office or authorized shipping center. For those who prefer digital resources, you can also visit www.fabritech.biz and click on the "Recall Notice" section for additional information and instructions. Whether you choose the in-store refund or the mail-in option with the prepaid label, the result is the same: your safety concern is addressed, and you are fully reimbursed. Please act promptly to ensure your infant remains safe from the choking hazard posed by the detachable buttons.
What can happen if you ignore it
It is completely understandable why a parent might hesitate to return a piece of clothing. Perhaps the romper still looks perfectly clean and new. Maybe your little one has grown out of the specific size, but you are saving it for a younger sibling or a future friend’s baby. Or simply, the trip to the store feels like an unnecessary hassle when you have so many other demands on your time. You might think that because no serious injuries have been reported yet, the risk is minimal. However, ignoring a recall notice for a product with a known choking hazard is not a harmless administrative oversight; it is leaving a genuine danger unaddressed in your home.
The core issue here is the physical integrity of the buttons on the shoulder straps. These are small, detachable components that can come loose during normal wear and tear. Babies and infants explore the world primarily through their mouths. This is not just a quirky habit; it is a fundamental way they learn about texture, shape, and object permanence. When an infant puts a detached button in their mouth, the situation shifts from a minor nuisance to a critical emergency within seconds. A small button can easily become lodged in the airway, blocking the flow of oxygen. This is what medical professionals call a choking event, and it does not require dramatic flailing or noise to be fatal. Silent choking is particularly dangerous because it may go unnoticed until it is too late.
We know from the recall facts that Fabri-Tech has already received one report of an infant putting a detached button in his mouth. While no injuries were reported in this specific instance, which we can only hope was resolved quickly and safely, this incident serves as a stark warning. It proves that the hazard is not theoretical; it is happening. The fact that there have been no severe injuries so far is fortunate, but it is not a guarantee of future safety. Every time your child wears the romper, they are interacting with a potential projectile. The more the garment is worn, washed, and played in, the higher the likelihood that another button will detach.
Beyond the immediate physical danger, ignoring the recall imposes an unnecessary emotional burden on you as a caregiver. If a choking incident were to occur because you kept the recalled item, the aftermath would involve not only medical stress but also profound regret and guilt. These are feelings no parent should have to carry over something that could have been easily remedied by returning the item for a full refund. The remedy offered is straightforward: get your money back and remove the hazard from your home. Choosing not to act leaves you gambling with your child’s safety against odds that are already showing signs of tipping toward danger. It is far better to be proactive now than to react in panic later.
Furthermore, keeping recalled items can inadvertently normalize unsafe products. When we keep known hazards around our children, we miss an opportunity to teach them and ourselves about the importance of product safety standards. By returning the romper, you are taking a concrete step to ensure that your home is a place where safety is prioritized over convenience. The refund process is designed to be easy for you, removing any financial or logistical barriers. There is no good reason to keep a product that has been officially deemed unsafe by the Consumer Product Safety Commission when a simple return can eliminate the risk entirely.