Target Recalls Children’s Pillowfort Weighted Blankets Due to Asphyxiation Hazard; Two Fatalities Reported

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Target Corporation, of Minneapolis, Minnesota, are announcing the recall of about 204,000 Pillowfort Weighted Blankets, where a young child can become entrapped by unzipping and entering the blanket, posing a risk of death by asphyxiation.

A 4-year-old girl and a 6-year-old girl reportedly became entrapped in the cover of the weighted blanket and died due to asphyxia at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina in April 2022. Target has received four reports of children becoming entrapped in these weighted blankets, including the two fatalities.

CPSC and Target are urging consumers to stop using the recalled weighted blankets immediately and contact Target for a refund.

This recall involves Pillowfort Weighted Blankets. The blankets weigh 6 pounds, measure 60 inches long and 40 inches wide and have a removable, waterproof, washable cover. The blankets come in eight prints or colors including unicorn white, space navy, pink, blue, gray, buffalo plaid red, blue constellation, and unicorn pink. Item numbers 097-02-0140 (Unicorn - White), 097-02-0148 (Space Navy), 097-02-0361(Pink), 097-02-0363 (Blue), 097-02-0364 (Gray), 097-02-1603 (Buffalo Plaid – Red), 097-02-3904 (Blue Constellation) and 097-02-3905 (Unicorn – Pink) are printed on the fabric tag attached to the removable covers of the blankets.

The weighted blankets were manufactured in China.

Target exclusively sold the recalled weighted blankets at Target stores nationwide and online at www.target.com. The blankets were sold from December 2018 through September 2022 for $40.

Contact Target at 800-440-0680 from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. CT daily to receive a prepaid return label to return the blankets by mail or return to any Target store. Go online at https://help.target.com/help/RedirectArticleToDetail?articleId=kA95d000000sY5c&clickSearchVar=Search+Results&searchQuery=Recalled%3A%20Target%20Childrens%20Pillowfort%20Weighted%20Blankets&articleTitle=Target+Childrens+Pillowfort+Weighted+Blankets or www.target.com and click on “Recall Information”, then on “Home Goods” for more information. Target is also contacting all known purchasers directly to arrange returns. The consumer will receive a refund of $40 in the form of a credit for use at Target stores or online at www.target.com, or the amount on the purchase receipt if higher. Consumers can also click the “Products Recalls” tab on Target’s Facebook page for more information.

Remedy: CPSC and Target are urging consumers to stop using the recalled weighted blankets immediately and contact Target for a refund.

Incidents/Injuries: A 4-year-old girl and a 6-year-old girl reportedly became entrapped in the cover of the weighted blanket and died due to asphyxia at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina in April 2022. Target has received four reports of children becoming entrapped in these weighted blankets, including the two fatalities.

Sold Exclusively At: Target stores nationwide and online at www.target.com. The blankets were sold from December 2018 through September 2022 for $40.

Note: Individual Commissioners may have statements related to this topic. Please visit www.cpsc.gov/commissioners to search for statements related to this or other topics.

Recall number: 23-078

More information and photos HERE.

Rucksack Contract Awarded

Propper International Inc., Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico (SPE1C1-23-C-0008, $49,082,165); and Eagle Industries Unlimited Inc., Virginia Beach, Virginia (SPE1C1-23-C-0006, $23,564,800), have each been awarded a fixed-price, fixed-quantity contract under solicitation SPE1C1-23-R-0015 for the Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment 4000 rucksack set. This was a sole-source acquisition using justification 10 U.S. Code 2304 (c)(2), as stated in Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-2. This is a one-year, eight-month contract with no option periods. Location of performance is Kentucky, with an Aug. 30, 2024, performance completion date. Using military services are Army and Air Force. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2023 through 2025 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

FTC Seeks Public Comment on Potential Updates to its ‘Green Guides’ for the Use of Environmental Marketing Claims

On December 14, 202, the Federal Trade Commission announced that it is seeking public comment on potential updates and changes to the Green Guides for the Use of Environmental Claims. The Commission’s Green Guides help marketers avoid making environmental marketing claims that are unfair or deceptive under Section 5 of the FTC Act. The Commission seeks to update the guides based on increasing consumer interest in buying environmentally friendly products.

“Consumers are increasingly conscious of how the products they buy affect the environment, and depend on marketers’ environmental claims to be truthful,” said Bureau of Consumer Protection Director Samuel Levine. “We look forward to this review process, and will make any updates necessary to ensure the Green Guides provide current, accurate information about consumer perception of environmental benefit claims. This will both help marketers make truthful claims and consumers find the products they seek.”

The Green Guides were first issued in 1992 and were revised in 1996, 1998, and 2012. They provide guidance on environmental marketing claims, including how consumers are likely to interpret particular claims and how marketers can substantiate these claims to avoid deceiving consumers.

The FTC is requesting general comments on the continuing need for the guides, their economic impact, their effect on the accuracy of various environmental claims, and their interaction with other environmental marketing regulations. The Commission also seeks information on consumer perception evidence of environmental claims, including those not in the guides currently.

Specific issues on which the FTC expects to get many public comments include:

• Carbon Offsets and Climate Change: The current Guides provide guidance on carbon offset and renewable energy claims. The Commission invites comments on whether the revised Guides should provide additional information on related claims and issues.

• The Term “Recyclable:” Among other things, the FTC seeks comments on whether it should change the current threshold that guides marketers on when they can make unqualified recyclable claims, as well as whether the Guides should address in more detail claims for products that are collected (picked up curbside) by recycling programs but not ultimately recycled.

• The Term “Recycled Content:” Comments are requested on whether unqualified claims about recycled content – particularly claims related to “pre-consumer” and “post industrial” content – are widely understood by consumers, as well as whether alternative methods of substantiating recycled content claims may be appropriate; and

• The Need for Additional Guidance: The Commission also seeks comment on the need for additional guidance regarding claims such as “compostable,” “degradable,” ozone-friendly,” “organic,” and “sustainable, as well as those regarding energy use and energy efficiency.

A list of recent cases brought relating to topics covered by the guides can be found on the FTC’s website.

The Commission vote approving the publication of a Federal Register notice announcing the opening of the public comment period was 4-0, with Chair Lina M. Khan issuing a separate statement. The notice has been published in the Federal Register and the FTC is accepting comments for 60 days. Information about how to submit comments can be found in the Federal Register notice.

USTR Extends Exclusions From China Section 301 Tariffs

On December 16, 2022, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative announced a nine‑month extension of 352 product exclusions in the China Section 301 Investigation that had been scheduled to expire at the end of 2022. These exclusions were initially reinstated on March 28, 2022 and the extension will help align further consideration of these exclusions with the ongoing comprehensive four-year review.

All petitions filed by Agathon Associates on behalf of clients were approved.

BACKGROUND

On March 23,, 2022, the Office of the United States Trade Representative announced its determination to reinstate certain previously granted and extended product exclusions in the China Section 301 Investigation. The determination reinstates 352 of the 549 eligible exclusions. The reinstated product exclusions will apply as of October 12, 2021, and extend through December 31, 2022. The most recent action extends the exclusion through September 30, 2022.

WTO Panel Rebuffs U.S. Move to Consider Hong Kong as China for Origin Marking

On December 21, 2022, the following statement was released by USTR Spokesperson Adam Hodge

"The United States strongly rejects the flawed interpretation and conclusions in the World Trade Organization (WTO) Panel report released today regarding Hong Kong, China’s challenge to the U.S. determination and action suspending differential treatment for marks of origin. The U.S. action responded to highly concerning actions by the People’s Republic of China to erode Hong Kong, China’s autonomy and the democratic and human rights of its people, threatening U.S. national security interests.

"The Biden Administration remains committed to preserving U.S. national security and protecting human rights and democracy, and taking action to protect national security is a right inherent to any sovereign nation and explicitly reflected in the WTO Agreement. The United States has held the clear and unequivocal position, for over 70 years, that issues of national security cannot be reviewed in WTO dispute settlement, and the WTO has no authority to second-guess the ability of a WTO Member to respond to what it considers a threat to its security.

"The Hong Kong panel report suggests that the United States cannot act to address China’s undermining of democratic and human rights and democracy in Hong Kong. To be clear, the United States does not intend to remove the marking requirement as a result of this report, and we will not cede our judgment or decision-making over essential security matters to the WTO. This report further underscores the need for fundamental WTO reform and the United States will continue to work constructively with Members to ensure that the WTO remains relevant to the lives of all people."

BACKGROND

On August 11, 2020, U.S. Customs and Border Protection published in the Federal Register (85 FR 48551) notice that in light of the President's Executive Order on Hong Kong Normalization, issued on July 14, 2020, suspending the application of section 201(a) of the United States-Hong Kong Policy Act of 1992 to the marking statute, section 304 of the Tariff Act of 1930, with respect to imported goods produced in Hong Kong, such goods may no longer be marked to indicate "Hong Kong" as their origin, but must be marked to indicate "China." Given the commercial realities, CBP is allowing a transition period to implement new marking. The transition period extends through September 25, 2020.

The Life is Good Company Recalls Darkest Blue Women’s Fleece Sweatshirts and Men’s Fleece Shorts Due to Violation of Federal Flammability Standard and Burn Hazard

This recall involves Fall 2022 Darkest Blue Fleece Men’s Simply True shorts and two styles of Fall 2022 Darkest Blue Women’s Simply True Hoodies: Good Vibes Daisies and Optimist Athletic. Good Vibes Daisies has a front zipper, a white daisy and “LIFE IS GOOD” printed on the upper left breast area and “Good Vibes” printed on the back. Optimist Athletic has “Optimist” and “Life is Good” printed on the chest. The men’s shorts have a white “Life is Good” label below the left pocket.

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the recalled products immediately and contact Life is Good to request a postage-paid shipping label to return the products for a full refund. Upon receipt and verification of the recalled product, consumers will be issued a full refund. Life is Good is contacting all known purchasers directly.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported

Sold At: www.lifeisgood.com and independent clothing stores from April 2022 through November 2022 for between $33 and $44 for the Men’s Simply True Fleece Shorts, between $51 and $68 for the Women’s Zip Hoodies and between $48 and $64 for the Women’s Simply True Hoodies.

Importer(s): The Life is Good Company, of Boston, Massachusetts

Manufactured In: Guatemala

Recall number: 23-063

More information and photos HERE.

QB 23-105 CAFTA Textile Cumulation Goods 2023

Apparel goods of chapter 62, cut or knit-to-shape, and sewn or otherwise assembled in a CAFTA-DR country, utilizing materials from Mexico, as provided for in chapter 98, subchapter XXII, U.S. Note 21

Read more HERE.

Marine Coat Contract Awarded

Crown Clothing Co., Vineland, New Jersey, has been awarded a maximum $8,682,401 modification (P00004) exercising the second one-year option period of a one-year base contract (SPE1C1-22-D-1432) with four one-year option periods for men's green dress coats, belts and keepers. This is a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract. The ordering period end date is Dec. 18, 2023. Using military service is Marine Corps. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2023 through 2024 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Tent Contract Awarded

Outdoor Venture Corp.,** Stearns, Kentucky, has been awarded a maximum $76,701,761 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for military standard tents and components. This was a competitive acquisition with two responses received. This contract includes two one-year tiers. The performance completion date is Aug. 31, 2025. Using military services are Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2023 through 2025 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPE1C1-23-D-0002).

**Small business in historically underutilized business zones

Coat and Trouser Contract Awarded

Silver Oak Leaf Inc.,** Alpharetta, Georgia, has been awarded a maximum $50,395,200 modification (P00025) exercising the two-year option period of a two-year base contract (SPE1C1-21-D-1407) with one two-year option period for various types of coats and trousers. This is a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract. Location of performance is Puerto Rico, with a Dec. 14, 2024, ordering period end date. Using military services are Army, Air Force and Navy. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2023 through 2025 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

**Service-disabled veteran-owned small-disadvantaged business

Victoria's Secret Bans Cashmere

According to a press report "Victoria's Secret joins ASOS, Columbia Sportswear, Overstock and dozens of other companies that have banned cashmere. PETA is calling on Urban Outfitters, H&M, Madewell and other retailers to follow suit."

Read more HERE

What is Viva Magenta?

Pantone’s Color of The Year, Viva Magenta 18-1750, vibrates with vim and vigor. It is a shade rooted in nature descending from the red family and expressive of a new signal of strength. Viva Magenta is brave and fearless, and a pulsating color whose exuberance promotes a joyous and optimistic celebration, writing a new narrative.

More information and images HERE.

Army and Air Force Coat and Trouser Contract Awarded

M&M Manufacturing LLC,*** Lajas, Puerto Rico, has been awarded a maximum $9,969,600 modification (P00006) exercising the first one-year option period of a one-year base contract (SPE1C1-22-D-1517) with four one-year option periods for various types of coats and trousers. This is a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract. The ordering period end date is Nov. 30, 2023. Using military services are Army and Air Force. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2023 through 2024 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Awarded Nov. 30, 2022)

***Woman-owned small business in historically underutilized business zones

Physical Fitness Uniform Jacket Contract Awarded

National Industries for the Blind,** Alexandria, Virginia, has been awarded a maximum $15,897,000 modification (P00003) exercising the second one-year option period of a one-year base contract (SPE1C1-21-D-B102) with two one-year option periods for physical fitness uniform jackets. This is an indefinite-delivery contract. Locations of performance are Maryland, North Carolina and Arkansas, with a Dec. 14, 2023, ordering period end date. Using military service is Army. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2023 through 2024 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

**Mandatory source