What was recalled
In April of 2017, Fred Meyer initiated a voluntary recall concerning specific children’s apparel items sold under the Kids Korner brand. This action was taken after the company identified potential safety issues with certain fleece hooded sweatshirts and girls’ bomber jackets. The recall specifically targets products that feature a front zipper closure, two front pockets, and knit ribbing around both the wrists and the waist. These garments were designed for infants, toddlers, and children, spanning sizes from 9 months up to youth size 7. The collection was available in 18 different variations, including various solid colors and printed patterns, making it a popular choice for parents looking for comfortable and stylish winter wear.
To help consumers identify whether their specific item is part of this recall, Fred Meyer provided detailed description guidelines. The recalled sweatshirts and jackets are distinctively marked with the "Kids Korner" brand name printed on a label located at the back of the neck. More importantly for verification purposes, a white label is sewn into the lower left inside seam of the garment. This internal tag contains crucial manufacturing information, specifically displaying the manufacture date as "11/16," which indicates November 2016. The style numbers printed on this label are critical identifiers; only items with style numbers ending in 8701P, 8701YD, 8671P, 9019, or 9022P are included in this recall. If your child’s jacket or sweatshirt does not have one of these specific style number endings, it is likely not part of this particular safety notice.
The scope of this recall was limited to items sold exclusively at Fred Meyer stores and through their online platform. The announcement was made on April 4, 2017, prompting immediate action from the retailer to ensure consumer safety. It is important to note that while the hazard involves a potential choking and laceration risk due to the zipper pull detaching, no incidents or injuries have been reported to date. However, the precautionary nature of this recall underscores the importance of verifying your child’s clothing against the specific model numbers and dates provided. By checking the internal white label for the "11/16" date and the correct style number suffixes, parents can confidently determine if their garment needs to be returned.
If you purchased these items during the relevant time frame, Fred Meyer has established a clear pathway for resolution. Consumers are instructed to stop using the recalled sweatshirts or jackets immediately and return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. This process is straightforward and designed to minimize inconvenience while prioritizing your child’s safety. For further assistance or additional information regarding this recall, customers can contact Fred Meyer directly at 800-576-4377 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday. Alternatively, you can visit their website at https://www.fredmeyer.com and click on the "Recall Alert" link located at the bottom of the page to find more detailed updates and guidance.
The hazard, explained
When we talk about small parts on children’s clothing, the primary concern is always what happens when those parts fail under normal play conditions. In this specific recall involving Kids Korner brand fleece hooded sweatshirts and girls bomber jackets, the physical mechanism of failure centers on the zipper pull. These garments are designed with front zippers for ease of wear, but the connection point between the zipper tab and the slider is a known stress point. Over time, or even during initial use due to manufacturing variances, the pull tab can detach completely from the zipper mechanism.
Once the zipper pull separates, it becomes a loose, small object that is easily accessible to children who are wearing the garment. The hazard here is twofold, addressing both immediate physical trauma and respiratory danger. First, there is the risk of laceration. While the plastic or metal tab itself may not be razor-sharp, it can have hard edges or sharp points where it broke off from the zipper track. If a child falls, rolls, or engages in rough play while wearing the jacket, this detached piece can press against sensitive skin, potentially causing cuts or abrasions, particularly if it gets caught under the body weight.
The more severe risk, however, is choking. Young children, particularly infants and toddlers who are still exploring their environment orally, often put small objects in their mouths. A detached zipper pull is the perfect size to be swallowed or inhaled. If a child swallows it, it can obstruct the digestive tract. More critically, if they inhale it into the airway, it can block the trachea, leading to suffocation. This risk is heightened because the item is part of the clothing itself; a child does not have to "find" a lost toy—they simply wear the hazard until it falls off.
It is important to understand that this is not necessarily a sign of poor quality in terms of fabric durability, but rather a design or assembly flaw specific to the attachment method of the zipper components. The recall notice indicates that this issue has not yet resulted in reported injuries, which is fortunate, but the potential for harm is significant given the nature of small parts in children's apparel. The hazard persists as long as the pull remains attached to the garment and is accessible to the wearer. This is why the remedy requires immediate removal from service, rather than a simple repair, because the structural integrity of that specific component cannot be guaranteed once it has been identified as prone to detachment.
Who is most at risk
The primary group at risk for this specific recall consists of infants, toddlers, and young children who wear or handle the affected Kids Korner fleece hooded sweatshirts and girls bomber jackets. While the hazard involves a detached zipper pull that can pose both choking and laceration dangers, the vulnerability is not uniform across all users. It is specifically the developmental stage of very young children that places them in the most precarious position. For babies and toddlers, who are still exploring their environment primarily through their mouths, any small object that becomes loose from their clothing is an immediate and serious threat. The zipper pull, if it detaches during normal play or wear, can easily become a foreign object within reach of a child’s hands and mouth.
The risk is particularly acute for infants and toddlers in the 9-month to approximately 3-year-old range. At this stage, children are developing fine motor skills but lack the cognitive awareness to understand that a small metal or plastic part from their clothing should not be put in their mouth. They may pull on the zipper out of curiosity or boredom, inadvertently causing the pull tab to detach. Once detached, the piece is often small enough to fit entirely into the airway, creating an immediate choking hazard. The laceration risk, while secondary to choking in terms of frequency for this age group, remains a concern if the detached part has sharp edges that could cut delicate skin or gums.
Additionally, older children and even adults who might handle these garments should be cautious, not because they are likely to choke, but because they are the ones often responsible for supervising the child. If an adult is wearing or handling the recalled jacket and the zipper pull detaches, it may fall to the floor where a crawling infant could later access it. Therefore, anyone who owns these items—whether they are the direct wearer or a parent purchasing them for a child—is part of the risk ecosystem. The recall specifically targets sizes from 9 months up to youth size 7, indicating that the manufacturer identified this wide age range as potentially problematic due to the nature of the zipper construction. It is important to note that while no incidents have been reported yet, the potential for harm exists whenever a small detachable part is present in the environment of a young child who lacks the ability to judge its danger.
Furthermore, parents and caregivers should be aware that children are unpredictable. A zipper pull might not fall off during active wear but could detach when the garment is being taken off, stored, or washed. This means the risk persists even after the child has removed the jacket. The combination of a small, hard object and a young child’s natural tendency to investigate everything orally makes this recall particularly urgent for households with children under the age of five. Vigilance is key, as the hazard does not discriminate based on gender or specific activity level; it simply exists wherever these garments are present in a home with young children.
How to tell if you have the recalled item
Before taking any action, the most critical step is to verify whether your garment is part of this specific recall. Because the issue involves a mechanical failure (the zipper pull detaching) rather than a chemical hazard, the risk is contained to these particular items manufactured during a specific window. You need to check three distinct areas on the clothing: the brand label, the interior seam tag, and the physical characteristics of the garment itself.
First, look at the main brand label. This recall applies exclusively to items made under the Kids Korner brand. If your sweatshirt or jacket bears a different brand name, it is not part of this Fred Meyer recall. On the Kids Korner items, you will find the "Kids Korner" text printed on the label located at the back of the neck.
Next, and most importantly, you must locate the white size/origin tag sewn into the lower left inside seam of the garment. This small white label contains the specific data points that determine if your item is affected. Look for a manufacture date stamped as "11/16". If the date is different, the item is likely not part of this recall. Alongside or near the date, look for a style number. Your item is included in the recall only if the style number ends with one of the following codes:
- 8701P
- 8701YD
- 8671P
- 9019
- 9022P
If your style number does not end in one of these five combinations, it is safe to keep using the garment. However, if you have a matching style number and date, proceed to check the physical description of the item to ensure it matches the scope of the recall.
The recalled items are specifically fleece hooded sweatshirts or girls bomber jackets. They will feature a front zipper, two front pockets, and knit ribbing around both the wrists and the waist. The sweatshirts were available in 18 different prints and solid colors, so color alone is not a reliable identifier. However, they were sold in infant, toddler, and children's sizes ranging from 9 months up to youth size 7. If your item is a bomber jacket for a girl or a fleece hoodie for a child within that age range, and it matches the brand, style number, and date criteria above, you have one of the recalled products.
These items were sold exclusively at Fred Meyer stores. If you purchased the garment elsewhere, such as an outlet mall, a different department store, or online through a third-party seller, it is not part of this specific recall action by Fred Meyer and CPSC. However, always double-check your receipt or credit card statement to confirm the point of purchase.
If you are unsure about any detail—particularly if the white tag has been cut off or faded—do not guess. The safest approach is to stop using the garment immediately and contact Fred Meyer for assistance. They can help verify the status of your specific item based on the style number you have.
What to do — step by step
If you own any of the recalled Kids Korner fleece hooded sweatshirts or girls bomber jackets sold by Fred Meyer, your immediate priority is safety. The CPSC has identified a specific defect where the zipper pull can detach from the garment. This small metal or plastic piece poses a dual threat: it can be swallowed by young children, leading to choking, or it can have sharp edges that cause lacerations. Because these hazards are present in the product's design rather than just wear and tear, you cannot simply "watch it closely" while your child wears it. Instead, you must take decisive action to remove the item from your home entirely. Here is exactly how to proceed, based on the remedy outlined by Fred Meyer and the CPSC. First, please stop using the recalled sweatshirt or jacket immediately. Do not wait for a formal confirmation email or for the product to be "fixed" in place. The risk of injury is active as long as the garment exists in your possession. Gently remove the item from your child’s wardrobe. If there are other family members who might wear these clothes, let them know right away so they do not accidentally put it on. It is perfectly okay to feel a bit inconvenienced by this step; think of it as a necessary pause to ensure that no one gets hurt while you sort out the logistics. Next, prepare the item for return. You do not need to cut off the tags or remove any parts of the jacket yourself. In fact, keeping the garment in its original state helps Fred Meyer verify that it is indeed one of the recalled items. Gather your proof of purchase if you have it, such as a receipt, credit card statement, or gift receipt. However, please note that Fred Meyer has indicated that customers can return the item to the place of purchase for a full refund. Having your receipt makes the process smoother, but if you have lost it, do not panic; store managers are often equipped to look up recent transactions using the payment method used. Finally, take the item back to any Fred Meyer location or contact them directly to initiate the refund. You can visit the customer service desk at any Fred Meyer store and hand over the jacket or sweatshirt. A representative will process your full refund there and then. If you cannot visit a store in person, you may also call Fred Meyer at 800-576-4377 between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday, to ask about mail-in return instructions or further assistance. Alternatively, you can visit https://www.fredmeyer.com and click on "Recall Alert" located at the bottom of the page for detailed online instructions. The goal here is simple: get your money back and ensure the hazardous item is gone from your home forever. By following these steps, you are not just protecting your own family but also helping to keep the broader community safe by removing these defective products from circulation.Your refund, repair, or replacement options
If you have determined that your child’s garment matches the details of this recall, the path forward is straightforward and designed to put your mind at ease. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Fred Meyer have established a clear remedy for this specific safety issue: a full refund. It is important to note upfront that there is no option for repair or replacement of the zipper mechanism through the manufacturer or retailer. Because the hazard involves a detachable zipper pull that can pose both choking and laceration risks, the only safe resolution is to remove the item from your home entirely and receive your money back. This is not a situation where you might be offered store credit or a different version of the same product; the recall is comprehensive for the affected items.
The process begins with a simple decision: do not attempt to fix the zipper yourself. While it might be tempting to sew on a more secure pull or replace the hardware, doing so could compromise the integrity of the fabric or leave sharp edges that still pose a risk. Instead, your primary action is to take the garment back to the place where you purchased it. Fred Meyer has instructed consumers to return these Kids Korner brand fleece hooded sweatshirts and girls bomber jackets directly to their original point of sale. By returning it there, you are following the official protocol established by the company that managed the recall. This ensures that the item is properly logged as removed from circulation and that you receive the full value of your purchase.
If you have lost your receipt or if you are unsure whether you qualify for a refund, do not panic. The recall notice provides direct lines of communication to help you navigate this step. You can contact Fred Meyer’s consumer support team by calling 800-576-4377. Their representatives are available to assist you from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday. This is the most reliable way to get specific instructions tailored to your purchase history or to resolve any questions about the return process. Alternatively, for those who prefer digital resources, you can visit https://www.fredmeyer.com and navigate to the "Recall Alert" section located at the bottom of the page. This online hub is dedicated to providing accurate, up-to-date information regarding this recall, ensuring you have access to official guidance without needing to speak to someone if you prefer to read through the details first.
Please remember that this remedy is exclusively for the items identified in the recall description: Kids Korner brand sweatshirts and jackets with specific style numbers ending in 8701P, 8701YD, 8671P, 9019, or 9022P, manufactured in November 2016. There are no reported incidents of injury associated with these items, which suggests that while the risk is real and must be addressed, you are acting proactively to ensure your child’s safety. By securing a full refund, you not only resolve the immediate hazard but also receive compensation for a product you can no longer safely use. This approach prioritizes your family’s well-being over any inconvenience of returning an item, reflecting the seriousness with which safety regulators and retailers treat potential choking and laceration hazards in children’s apparel.
What can happen if you ignore it
It is completely understandable why you might hesitate to return a piece of clothing that your child has grown attached to or simply loves wearing. Children’s apparel often becomes a favorite part of their daily routine, and the effort of finding a receipt, driving to the store, or navigating a return process can feel like an unnecessary hurdle when nothing seems wrong with the garment at first glance. However, ignoring this recall is not merely an inconvenience; it is a direct gamble with your child’s physical safety. The hazard identified in this recall is not theoretical—it is a mechanical failure point that exists within the very fabric of the product. By continuing to use the recalled Kids Korner hooded sweatshirts and girls bomber jackets, you are leaving a potential weapon in your child’s wardrobe.
The core danger lies in the zipper pull. These components are designed to withstand significant force during normal use, but in this specific case, the connection is flawed. If you ignore the recall, you are allowing your child to continue wearing a garment where a small, hard plastic or metal piece can detach unexpectedly. Once detached, that zipper pull becomes a loose object in an environment where young children explore with their mouths and hands. For infants and toddlers, who frequently put objects in their mouths to understand the world around them, this is not just a nuisance; it is a critical choking hazard. A small part like a zipper pull can obstruct the airway entirely, leading to suffocation within minutes if not addressed immediately. This risk is particularly acute for children under three years old, whose airways are narrow and who lack the cognitive ability to recognize or react appropriately to a choking sensation.
Beyond the immediate threat of choking, there is the risk of laceration. While less common than choking, a detached zipper pull can have sharp edges or points that can cut a child’s skin, especially if they are playing roughly or if the part gets caught in other clothing or toys. Furthermore, consider the psychological and physical toll on your family. If an injury were to occur because you continued to use a known defective product, the aftermath would involve emergency medical visits, potential surgery, and lasting trauma for both the child and the parents. The peace of mind that comes from knowing your home is free from hidden dangers is invaluable. By taking the time to return the item now, you are actively preventing a scenario where a simple clothing defect could lead to a life-altering emergency. The CPSC issued this recall because they identified a pattern of failure that poses a real, tangible threat. Dismissing it does not make the hazard disappear; it only removes your control over the situation and leaves your child vulnerable to a preventable accident.
Finally, consider the broader implication of ignoring safety recalls. These alerts are issued after rigorous testing and incident reporting. The fact that no incidents have been reported yet is a silver lining, but it is not a guarantee of future safety. Mechanical failures often occur during high-stress moments—when a child pulls hard on a zipper while climbing or playing. Ignoring the recall means you are betting against probability. It is far safer to accept the full refund and replace the item with a known-safe alternative than to risk your child’s health for the sake of convenience. Your vigilance today is the best protection you can offer your family tomorrow.