Tea Collection Recalls Children's Denim Jackets Due to Choking Hazard

What was recalled

In late December of 2016, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced a significant safety recall involving children’s denim jackets manufactured by Tea Collection Inc. This action was taken to address a specific defect in a particular line of knit blue denim jackets designed for young consumers. The recall is not a blanket ban on all products from this brand, but rather a targeted response to issues found within a specific batch of apparel that posed potential risks to the safety of children wearing them.

The specific items caught in this recall are children’s knit blue denim jackets featuring metal buttons and snaps. These garments were marketed under the Tea Collection brand and were identified by a distinct tag sewn inside the neck area, which simply reads "Tea." To help consumers identify if their jacket is part of this affected group, it is crucial to look at the hangtag attached to the garment. The style number printed on this hangtag is 6F22400-405. This alphanumeric code serves as the primary identifier for the recalled inventory.

The recalled jackets were available in a range of sizes, specifically from extra-small (XS) to extra-large (XL), which corresponds to children’s sizes 2 through 12. While the official recall notice does not specify the exact total number of units sold or imported into the United States, it confirms that these items were widely distributed during their retail period. The lack of a specific unit count in the public record highlights the importance of checking your own garment against the style number rather than relying solely on size or purchase date.

This recall was officially announced on December 28, 2016. At that time, Tea Collection Inc. acknowledged the issue and initiated the remedy process for affected consumers. The company’s decision to recall these specific jackets demonstrates a commitment to consumer safety, even though no injuries had yet been reported. By clearly defining the product details—the brand, the style number, the material (knit blue denim), and the specific hardware (metal snaps and buttons)—the recall ensures that parents and guardians can quickly determine whether their child’s jacket is part of this lot.

If you purchased a children’s denim jacket from Tea Collection during the relevant time period, it is essential to verify the style number on the hangtag. The presence of the "Tea" neck tag alone is not sufficient for identification; the style number 6F22400-405 is the definitive marker. This precision helps prevent unnecessary confusion and ensures that only the potentially hazardous items are removed from circulation, while other safe products remain unaffected.

The hazard, explained

When we look at the recall issued by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) regarding Tea Collection’s children’s denim jackets, the core issue is deceptively simple yet physically significant: the metal snaps that secure the garment are not fastened with sufficient durability for the intended use. In plain terms, these small metal components can detach from the jacket during normal wear and play. While a button or snap might seem like an inconsequential detail on a piece of clothing, in the context of children’s apparel, it transforms into a serious mechanical failure point. The hazard does not stem from the fabric itself being dangerous, but from the integrity of the attachment mechanism failing under typical stress.

To understand why this is particularly dangerous for young children, we must look at how these garments are used. Denim jackets are often worn as outer layers, meaning they are subject to frequent pulling, tugging, and friction. A child might pull on a snap while putting on the jacket, or an adult might struggle to fasten it. If the stitching or the rivet holding the metal snap is weak, these forces can pop the component loose. Once detached, the snap becomes a small, hard object that is no longer part of the garment but a loose item in the child’s environment. This is what safety regulators refer to as a choking hazard.

The risk escalates because of human behavior, specifically the natural tendency of young children to explore their world through their mouths. For toddlers and preschoolers, putting small objects into their mouths is a common developmental phase. If a metal snap falls off the jacket and lands on the floor, in a car seat, or on a bed, it becomes an easily accessible object. Because these snaps are typically made of metal, they are rigid and have sharp edges when detached. If a child places such a small, hard object into their mouth, there is a risk that it could become lodged in the airway.

A choking incident occurs when an object blocks the flow of air to the lungs. Even a small metal snap can be large enough to completely obstruct a young child’s narrow windpipe. Unlike food, which might break apart if bitten, a metal snap remains intact, making it difficult to dislodge without professional medical intervention. The CPSC notes that Tea Collection has received reports from six consumers confirming that snaps have indeed fallen off their jackets. While no injuries have been reported in this specific batch of incidents, the potential for severe harm remains high because the mechanism for injury is so direct and immediate. The detachment itself is not the injury; it is the creation of a loose, swallowable object in close proximity to a child who is likely to put it in their mouth.

This type of hazard is well-documented in children’s product safety. Small parts that detach from clothing are a leading cause of choking-related emergency room visits among toddlers. The danger is not just about the size of the object, but its shape and material. A metal snap is dense and non-compressible, meaning it will not shift or break down if swallowed. It creates a solid blockage that requires urgent attention. Therefore, the recall is not merely a inconvenience for consumers; it is a critical intervention to remove these loose components from circulation before an accident occurs. By understanding that the physical failure of the snap leads directly to the creation of a choking risk, we can see why immediate removal from children’s reach is the only safe course of action.

Who is most at risk

The primary group at risk in this recall consists of young children who wear or handle the recalled Tea Collection denim jackets. Specifically, any child who has been dressed in these garments, particularly those in sizes XS through XL (which correspond to sizes 2 through 12), faces a potential danger that might not be immediately obvious to parents or caregivers. The hazard stems from the metal snaps and buttons on the jackets, which have been reported to detach from the fabric. For adults, a loose button is generally an inconvenience; for a young child, it can become a serious safety issue.

Young children, especially toddlers and preschoolers, are at the highest risk because of their natural developmental behaviors. At this age, exploring the world through touch and taste is a normal part of learning. Children often put objects in their mouths to understand them, and they lack the critical judgment to distinguish between safe clothing accessories and small, hard hazards like detached metal snaps. A small metal snap that falls off a jacket can easily be picked up, placed in the mouth, and swallowed or inhaled. Because these components are small and rigid, they pose a significant choking hazard if they become lodged in a child’s airway.

The risk is not limited to the children who directly wear the jackets. Siblings, friends, or younger cousins who may borrow or play with the recalled items are also vulnerable. Even if a child does not wear the jacket, playing with it could cause the snaps to loosen further and detach. Once detached, these small metal pieces become accessible to any young child in the household, regardless of whether they were the original wearer.

While no injuries have been reported to date, the potential for harm is real and serious. Choking incidents can happen quickly and without warning, making prevention through removal of the hazard critical. Parents and guardians should be especially vigilant if their children are known for putting non-food items in their mouths or if they have younger siblings who might interact with the jacket. The age range covered by this recall (sizes 2 to 12) spans from early toddlerhood through pre-adolescence, but the risk of choking is most acute for those under the age of five, as their airways are smaller and more easily obstructed.

It is also important to note that the hazard applies regardless of the child’s size or strength. A small metal snap is difficult to see and easy to miss during a quick inspection. Because the snaps are sewn into denim, which is a thick and sturdy fabric, parents might assume the attachment is secure. However, reports indicate that these snaps have detached in six instances, suggesting that the risk is not just theoretical but has already manifested in real-world use. Therefore, any child who has come into contact with these jackets should be considered at potential risk until the item is removed from their environment.

How to tell if you have the recalled item

If you are looking through your child’s closet or that pile of gently used clothes from a thrift store, identifying whether an item is part of this specific recall requires a bit of detective work. Tea Collection Inc. has been quite precise about which jackets are affected, so if you can find the right tags and labels, you will know exactly what you are dealing with. The first thing to look for is the brand name. You need to check the interior of the garment, specifically near the neck area. Sewn into the inside lining, there should be a tag that clearly reads "Tea." This branding is your primary clue that the jacket comes from the manufacturer in question.

Once you have confirmed the brand, you must look for the specific style number to ensure it matches the recalled batch. This is crucial because Tea Collection makes many different styles of denim jackets, and this recall does not cover every single one they have ever sold. Look for a hangtag attached to the garment itself, rather than just a price tag or a care label. On that hangtag, you are looking for the style number 6F22400-405 printed clearly. If this specific alphanumeric code is present, you have identified the correct product model associated with the safety issue.

Next, examine the physical characteristics of the jacket to see if they align with the description of the recalled items. The recall involves children’s knit blue denim jackets. While "blue" can vary in shade, you are looking for a denim fabric that is knitted rather than woven, which may feel slightly different to the touch than traditional rigid denim. The most critical feature to inspect is the closure mechanism. These jackets utilize metal buttons and, more importantly, metal snaps. If your jacket has plastic snaps or no snaps at all, it likely falls outside this specific recall scope, but you should still verify the style number. The metal components are central to the hazard, as they are the parts that can detach.

You should also check the size range to see if your child’s size was included in this batch. The recalled jackets were sold in sizes ranging from XS to XL, which corresponds to children's sizes 2 through 12. If the jacket you found is outside this size range, it is not part of this specific recall notice. Keep in mind that these items were sold directly by Tea Collection Inc., so if you purchased it from their website or physical stores during the relevant time period, and it matches all the criteria above—the "Tea" neck tag, style number 6F22400-405, blue knit denim material, metal snaps, and size XS-XL—you should treat it as a recalled item. When in doubt, comparing your item directly to these specific identifiers is the safest way to proceed before taking any action.

What to do — step by step

Your refund, repair, or replacement options

In situations involving safety recalls for children’s clothing, the remedy is often straightforward because the nature of the defect typically cannot be safely corrected in a way that guarantees long-term reliability. In this specific case involving Tea Collection Inc., the company has chosen to offer a full refund rather than attempting to repair the metal snaps or providing a replacement jacket. This decision is rooted in practical safety considerations: because the hazard involves small metal parts detaching from the garment, simply replacing the snaps might not address potential wear on other components or the integrity of the attachment points over time. By issuing a complete refund, Tea Collection removes the risk entirely from your home, ensuring that no part of the defective item remains in use. This approach prioritizes immediate safety over convenience, acknowledging that for young children, even a securely replaced snap could become loose with repeated washing and wearing.

To access this remedy, you will need to contact Tea Collection Inc. directly through one of their designated customer service channels. The company has established specific hours for handling these recall inquiries, so it is helpful to plan your call or email accordingly. You can reach them by phone at the toll-free number 866-374-8747. Their support team is available from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday through Friday. If you prefer written communication or wish to have a record of your interaction, you may also email them at service@teacollection.com. They have made the process as accessible as possible by allowing multiple contact methods, recognizing that parents and caregivers are often busy and need flexibility in how they initiate the return process.

When you reach out to Tea Collection, be prepared to provide specific details about the jacket to help them verify that it is part of this recall. While the recall notice includes style number 6F22400-405 on the hangtag, having the item in front of you will help confirm the "Tea" tag inside the neck and the specific knit blue denim material. Although the company has not explicitly stated that you must mail the jacket back to receive your refund, standard practice for such recalls often involves returning the product or providing proof of purchase. However, given that no injuries have been reported and the remedy is a full refund, the barrier to entry is intentionally kept low. You do not need to navigate complex warranty claims or pay return shipping fees if instructions suggest otherwise; the focus is on removing the hazard quickly.

It is important to understand why a repair was not offered as an option. The metal snaps on these jackets have been reported to detach, posing a choking hazard. Repairing a snap requires specialized tools and expertise that most consumers do not have at home. Even if you could replace it yourself, the risk of improper installation or future failure remains high. Therefore, the full refund is the only safe and certified remedy provided by the manufacturer. This ensures that every affected garment is removed from circulation rather than patched up in a way that might fail later. By accepting the refund, you are not just getting your money back; you are actively participating in keeping other children safe by ensuring this specific batch of jackets does not continue to be worn or passed down.

If you encounter any difficulties during the refund process, such as lost hangtags or unclear style numbers, do not hesitate to explain the situation to the customer service representative. They are equipped to handle these edge cases. You can also visit www.teacollection.com and click on "product recall" for additional information or updates regarding this specific event. Keeping a record of your communication with Tea Collection, including dates, times, and reference numbers if provided, is always a wise step in any consumer transaction. This documentation can be helpful if there are any delays in processing your refund or if you need to follow up later. Remember, the goal here is safety first, and the company has streamlined the financial aspect to ensure that safety is not hindered by bureaucratic hurdles.

What can happen if you ignore it

It is entirely understandable why a parent might hesitate to part with a favorite jacket, especially one that fits well or holds sentimental value. The metal snaps on these Tea Collection denim jackets may look sturdy and secure at first glance, but the reality of their design flaw is far more dangerous than a simple malfunction. Ignoring this recall does not merely mean keeping an old garment; it means actively exposing a child to a preventable, life-threatening risk every time they wear it.

The core danger lies in the mechanics of the hazard itself. These are not just loose buttons that might fall off during a wash cycle and end up on a floor where they can be swept away. The snaps are sewn directly into the garment’s fabric, meaning they remain attached to the jacket while it is being worn. As children move, play, climb, or even sleep in these jackets, the metal pieces are subjected to constant pulling, twisting, and friction. Over time, or sometimes immediately upon vigorous activity, the stitching can fail. When a snap detaches, it often comes away as a small, hard object with sharp edges. For an infant or toddler, whose airways are incredibly narrow, this small piece of metal becomes a suffocation risk. It is not enough for the child to simply hold the object; the hazard occurs if they place it in their mouth and it becomes lodged in the throat or trachea.

While Tea Collection Inc. has reported six incidents where snaps fell off, it is crucial to understand that these reports likely represent only a fraction of the actual danger. Many choking episodes happen quickly and may not be reported to the manufacturer if the child coughs up the object without serious injury. The absence of reported injuries in this specific recall data does not mean the risk is low; it means that luck has so far prevented tragedy in these documented cases. However, with thousands of jackets sold in sizes ranging from XS to XL, the statistical probability of a severe incident increases significantly if the product remains in circulation. A single detached snap can cause complete airway obstruction, leading to hypoxia, brain damage, or death within minutes.

Beyond the immediate physical threat, ignoring the recall creates a false sense of security for caregivers. You might assume that because the jacket looks intact, it is safe to wear. This assumption is dangerous because the failure can be sudden and unexpected. There is no warning sign before a snap detaches. By continuing to use the jacket, you are gambling with your child’s safety based on hope rather than fact. The consequences of inaction are not just about losing a piece of clothing; they are about risking a permanent or fatal outcome that could have been avoided by simply stopping use immediately. The peace of mind provided by a refund is far greater than the temporary utility of a defective garment.

Staying safe: broader tips

While this specific recall addresses a manufacturing defect in denim jackets, the underlying principle of child safety often lies in proactive habits and environmental awareness rather than just reacting to problems after they occur. Small detachable components, like the snaps mentioned in the Tea Collection incident, are not unique to clothing. They can be found on accessories, toys, and even other garments where poor stitching or weak adhesive fails over time. The most effective way to prevent choking incidents is to regularly inspect your child’s belongings with a critical eye. Look for loose threads, weakened seams, or any part that does not feel securely attached. If you notice wear and tear, do not wait for a recall notice; repair the item immediately or dispose of it safely to remove the hazard from your home entirely.

Beyond physical inspections, staying informed is a powerful tool for parents and caregivers. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and other regulatory bodies issue hundreds of recalls annually across various categories, from electronics to nursery furniture. Making it a routine part of your household management to check these lists can save you from potential dangers. You can subscribe to email alerts from the CPSC or follow their official social media channels, which often provide rapid updates on new recalls. Additionally, consider registering your major purchases and children’s items with the manufacturers. This ensures that if a safety issue is discovered later, you will be notified directly rather than finding out through general news reports.

Finally, cultivate an environment where safety is a shared family value. Teach older children to recognize unsafe items and report them to you. For younger toddlers who are still exploring the world by putting things in their mouths, creating a "safe zone" for play can reduce exposure to small parts. This might mean keeping certain types of clothing or accessories out of reach during playtime and only using them when supervised. Remember that prevention is not about living in fear, but about building layers of protection. By combining regular product checks, staying updated on safety alerts, and teaching age-appropriate caution, you create a resilient safety net that protects your children from both known recalls and unforeseen hazards.