RDG Global Recalls Girls’ Hooded Sweatshirts Due to Strangulation Hazard; Sold Exclusively at Nordstrom

What was recalled

In March of 2017, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced a voluntary recall involving specific girls’ hooded sweatshirts manufactured by RDG Global. This action was taken because these particular garments contained design features that posed a serious safety risk to children. The recalled items were exclusive to Nordstrom, meaning they were not available at general department stores or online marketplaces, but were sold solely through Nordstrom’s retail channels during the period leading up to the recall announcement.

The specific product involved is an olive green-colored hooded sweatshirt designed for girls. These garments are constructed from a blend of polyester and spandex, offering a comfortable fit typical of casual wear. A distinct feature of this sweatshirt is its hood, which is lined with a soft sherpa material to provide warmth and comfort. The front of the garment features an asymmetric zipper, adding a stylistic element to the design. However, it is the drawstring located inside the lining of the hood that triggered the recall. Consumers who purchased these items should check their closets carefully, as the combination of style and safety hazard might not be immediately obvious without inspection.

To help you identify if your sweatshirt is part of this recall, look closely at the labels. The size label is blue and located at the center back neck. It will read "Freshman 1996" along with "Made in China." Additionally, there is another label sewn into the neck seam that displays "RDG Global LLC" alongside the model numbers "VB740" and "8K80375N." A third label, found in the side seam, contains the care instructions and the RN number 146919. The sweatshirts were available in girls' sizes Small (equivalent to ages 6-7), Medium (ages 8-10), and Large (ages 12). If your child’s olive green hoodie matches these descriptions, it is crucial to take immediate action.

The recall was initiated by RDG Global in cooperation with the CPSC. While the agency did not report any incidents of injury or strangulation associated with this specific product line at the time of the announcement, the potential for harm remains significant due to the nature of the hazard. The presence of a drawstring in the hood area is the primary concern, as it can easily catch on playground equipment or other objects, leading to serious entanglement risks. Therefore, even without reported injuries, the precautionary measure of recalling these items was deemed necessary to protect children from potential danger.

The hazard, explained

When we talk about drawstrings on children’s clothing, it is easy to look at a simple piece of fabric and not see the danger. However, the physics involved in these incidents are quite specific and serious. The core issue with the recalled RDG Global girls’ hooded sweatshirts is not the material itself, but the presence of a drawstring tucked inside the lining of the hood. While drawstrings offer a convenient way to adjust the fit of a hood around a child’s face, they create a rigid loop that can easily catch on stationary or moving objects in a child’s environment.

The mechanism of injury typically begins with entanglement rather than immediate strangulation. As children play, run, or climb, these loose loops can snag on playground equipment such as the sharp edges of slides, the gaps in climbing nets, or the metal handrails on stairs. They can also catch on school bus doors, bicycle handlebars, or even the back of a car seat. Once the string catches, the child’s momentum often pulls against it. Because the string is attached to the garment, which is still being worn around the neck, the force is transferred directly to the child’s throat.

This leads to what safety experts call "loop entanglement." If the drawstring forms a loop that is large enough to fit over a part of the body but small enough to tighten when pulled, it can constrict the airway or blood vessels in the neck. This can happen even if the child does not fall; sometimes, just the act of moving forward while the string is caught is enough to cause severe injury. The risk is particularly acute because children are often unaware of the tension building up until it is too late. They may be laughing and running, focused on play, rather than watching for potential snags.

In many reported cases involving similar hazards, the strangulation occurs when the loop tightens around the neck as the child moves away from the object that caught the string. This can happen in a fraction of a second. The pressure applied to the neck can cut off airflow or blood flow to the brain, leading to unconsciousness and, in tragic cases, death. It is important to understand that this hazard does not require the garment to be torn or broken; the simple presence of the adjustable loop is what creates the vulnerability.

While no incidents have been reported with this specific RDG Global recall as of the announcement date, the potential for harm is well-documented in broader consumer safety data. The CPSC and other safety organizations emphasize that any drawstring on a child’s upper body clothing, especially near the head and neck, poses a significant risk because it bypasses the natural protective reflexes children have against choking or constriction. The danger lies in the combination of a flexible tether and the unpredictable ways children interact with their surroundings.

Who is most at risk

The primary group at immediate risk from this recall consists of young girls who have purchased or been given the RDG Global hooded sweatshirts. Specifically, the hazard targets children wearing sizes Small (which fits ages 6–7), Medium (ages 8–10), and Large (ages 12). While these age ranges span a significant period of physical development, they all fall within a critical window where independent play and social interaction are high, yet the ability to quickly assess and react to safety dangers is still developing. A child in this demographic is likely wearing this garment during active moments—running to school, playing at recess, or riding public transportation—situations that inherently involve proximity to moving parts and complex machinery.

The vulnerability here is not just about age, but about the specific mechanics of the hazard combined with typical childhood behavior. The sweatshirts feature a drawstring located inside the lining of the hood. For a child, a hoodie is often a source of comfort and warmth, leading them to wear it frequently and perhaps even adjust it casually throughout the day. However, the design flaw lies in the fact that these drawstrings are not securely anchored or are long enough to dangle freely when the hood is down or improperly adjusted. This creates a silent trap. A child does not need to be running into the string for it to become dangerous; they simply need to be near an object that can catch it.

The most dangerous scenarios occur in environments filled with fixed or moving objects that children naturally interact with. Consider a playground slide, where a child’s hood might brush against the plastic surface as they descend. If the drawstring catches on an edge or seam, the momentum of the slide can pull the string taut around the neck. Similarly, on a school bus, the act of standing up, turning around, or holding onto handrails presents numerous opportunities for a loose hood string to snag. The fear and confusion of a sudden entanglement can cause a child to panic, making it difficult for them to free themselves without assistance. This is why the risk is disproportionately high for this demographic: they are mobile, curious, and often unaware that their clothing has become part of a mechanical hazard until it is too late.

While no incidents have been reported with this specific batch as of the recall date, the potential for severe injury remains real. The CPSC identifies strangulation and entanglement as significant hazards because they can happen in seconds. Parents and caregivers must understand that even a seemingly minor snag on a door handle, a bike handlebar, or a piece of playground equipment can result in the string tightening around a child’s neck. Therefore, the risk is not theoretical; it is a direct consequence of combining loose clothing with the active, unpredictable environments where children aged 6 to 12 typically spend their time.

How to tell if you have the recalled item

If you purchased a girls’ hooded sweatshirt from Nordstrom, particularly one that is olive green in color, it is important to verify whether the specific model falls under this recall before taking any action. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has identified a distinct set of features that define the affected inventory. While many hoodies look similar at a glance, these particular garments have unique labeling and construction details that make them identifiable. To determine if your item is part of this recall, you will need to inspect the tags located inside the garment carefully.

First, check the brand name printed on the label. The recalled sweatshirts are manufactured by RDG Global. You should look for a blue size label positioned at the center back neck of the garment. This specific tag will display the text "Freshman 1996" along with "Made in China." If your sweatshirt has a different brand name, color, or lacks this specific blue label, it is likely not part of this recall. However, if you see those exact words on a blue tag at the back of the neck, proceed to the next verification step.

Next, examine the secondary label located in the neck seam. This tag will provide critical identification codes that confirm the product model. Look for the words "RDG Global LLC" printed alongside the specific codes "VB740" and "8K80375N." The presence of these alphanumeric codes is a definitive marker for the recalled items. Additionally, check the care instructions label, which is typically sewn into a side seam. This tag will include the Registered Number (RN#) 146919. If your sweatshirt matches all these labeling details, it is highly probable that you possess one of the recalled units.

You should also verify the size and physical characteristics of the garment. The recall covers girls' sizes Small (6-7), Medium (8-10), and Large (12). The sweatshirts are made from a blend of polyester and spandex and feature a sherpa-lined hood. A key visual identifier is the asymmetric zipper on the front of the garment, which does not run straight down the center but is offset to one side. If your olive green hoodie has this specific zipper style, the Sherpa lining, and the drawstrings inside the hood, combined with the labels described above, it matches the description of the recalled product. Since these items were sold exclusively at Nordstrom, if you cannot find a receipt or remember where you bought it, checking your purchase history on their website or contacting their customer service may help confirm the brand and model.

• Brand: RDG Global
• Color: Olive green
• Material: Polyester and spandex with a sherpa-lined hood
• Size Labels: S (6-7), M (8-10), L (12)
• Neck Label Text: "Freshman 1996" and "Made in China" on a blue tag at the center back neck
• Secondary Neck Tag: Must read "RDG Global LLC," "VB740," and "8K80375N"
• Care Label: Must show RN# 146919 in the side seam
• Feature: Asymmetric front zipper and drawstring in the hood

What to do — step by step

Your refund, repair, or replacement options

If you have been wearing the recalled RDG Global girls’ hooded sweatsharts, the good news is that you have two clear and straightforward paths to resolve the safety issue without any hassle or cost to you. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has ensured that both RDG Global and Nordstrom are prepared to handle your return with full cooperation. You do not need to choose one method over the other based on preference; rather, you should choose the option that feels most convenient for your specific situation. Whether you prefer to simply get your money back or to take immediate physical action to make the garment safe, both avenues are fully supported by the manufacturer and the retailer.

The first primary remedy offered is a full refund. This is often the preferred route for parents who no longer wish to keep the item or who feel that removing the drawstring might alter the look or fit of the sweatshirt they love. You have the flexibility to contact either RDG Global directly or Nordstrom, where the items were exclusively sold. If you choose to go through Nordstrom, you can likely process the refund at the point of purchase or through their customer service channels, which may be more convenient if you still have your receipt. Alternatively, if you prefer to deal directly with the manufacturer, RDG Global has set up a dedicated support line for this recall. You can call them at (844) 851-9979. Please note their operating hours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday, so plan your call accordingly. During this call, they will guide you through the refund process, ensuring you receive every dollar back for the garment.

The second option is to eliminate the hazard yourself by removing the drawstrings. This remedy is immediate and requires no waiting period for shipping or processing refunds. By cutting out or unthreading the drawstring from the hood lining, you effectively neutralize the strangulation risk while allowing your child to continue wearing their favorite olive green, sherpa-lined sweatshirt. This is a practical solution if you are attached to the fit, the "Freshman 1996" style, or simply want to avoid the logistical steps of a return. If you need clarification on how to safely remove the strings without damaging the garment’s aesthetic, you can visit www.rdgglobal.nyc and click on "Product Recalls" at the bottom of the page for additional information.

In summary, your choices are simple: get your money back or make the item safe. There is no penalty for either choice. If you need further assistance beyond what is listed above, RDG Global remains available via their website to answer any specific questions about the return policy or the repair process. The goal here is peace of mind, ensuring that your child’s safety is prioritized while respecting your consumer rights.

What can happen if you ignore it

It is completely understandable why you might hesitate to modify a piece of clothing you love or go through the trouble of returning an item. You may have bought this RDG Global hooded sweatshirt because it looks stylish, fits well, or was simply a convenient find at Nordstrom. The fabric feels soft, the olive green color is versatile, and the asymmetric zipper adds a modern touch. It is easy to look at these practical details and think that the drawstring in the hood is just a minor design quirk, something functional for keeping the wind out rather than a genuine safety concern. However, ignoring this recall carries serious, real-world consequences that go far beyond simple inconvenience.

The primary danger here is not a malfunction of the material or a chemical issue, but a mechanical one involving entanglement. When you ignore the hazard, you are leaving a potential noose in place around your child’s neck. The recall facts clearly state that these drawstrings can become entangled or caught on playground slides, handrails, school bus doors, or other moving objects. This is not a hypothetical scenario based on speculation; it is the specific mechanism by which strangulation occurs. If a child runs on a playground and the hood catches on a piece of equipment, the string does not simply break away. Instead, it can tighten around the neck with significant force as the child moves or falls. This creates an immediate risk of strangulation, which can lead to severe injury or death in moments.

While the CPSC report notes that no incidents have been reported for this specific batch of sweatshirts so far, the absence of reported injuries does not mean the risk is absent. It means that, fortunately, no one has yet been hurt by this particular item. However, relying on luck is a dangerous strategy when dealing with children’s safety. The hazard exists regardless of whether an accident has happened in your neighborhood or even in another state. Every time your child wears the sweatshirt, they are exposed to this entanglement risk. Ignoring the recall means you are essentially gambling with their safety, assuming that they will never encounter a slide, a fence, or a door handle while wearing it. That is a gamble no parent should take.

Beyond the immediate physical danger, ignoring the recall can lead to emotional and logistical complications later. If an accident were to occur because you chose not to remove the drawstring or return the item, the consequences would be devastating. You would be dealing with the trauma of a preventable injury while also facing the difficult reality that you had been warned about this specific risk. The remedy offered—removing the strings or getting a full refund—is simple and immediate. By acting now, you protect your child from a catastrophic event and preserve your peace of mind. Do not let the comfort of current use override the critical importance of eliminating a strangulation hazard before it becomes a reality.

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