Children’s Product Recall: More Than 5.7 Million Contigo Water Bottles

The Consumer Product and Safety Commission (CPSC) recently announced a major children’s product alert. The agency is recalling more than 5.7 million Contigo Kids Cleanable water bottles because of a defect that poses choking hazards.

The manufacturer is voluntarily complying with the CPSC’s recall, and has received at least 149 reports of bottle spouts detaching so far. In 18 cases, a detached spout was in a child’s mouth. Because of the potentially deadly nature of the recall, the CPSC is advising consumers to take the defective bottles away from children and to discontinue use immediately.

Choking Hazards in Children

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report suffocation as a leading cause of death in children less than 1 year of age. Infants and children alike are notorious for putting things in their mouths, but there are precautionary measures parents and caregivers can (e.g. keeping small objects out of children’s reach, always actively supervising children, etc.)

When a product is dangerous and defective, however, the risks become unmanageably high. Avoiding choking hazards is critical, because in just four minutes or less without oxygen a child can experience brain damage and even death. Some common signs and symptoms of choking in children include:

• Gasping and wheezing;
• The inability to cry, make noise, or talk;
• Turning blue;
• Grabbing at his or her throat or waving arms;
• The inability to breathe, and:
• Becoming unconscious or limp

If a child is experiencing these symptoms, you should call 9-1-1 right away. If the person supervising has been trained with administering the Heimlich maneuver (also known as abdominal thrusts), they should begin immediately.

Recalled Contigo Bottles and Who to Contact with Concerns

There are a few ways to determine whether you are in possession of a recalled Contigo Kids Cleanable water bottle. Recalled models come in three sizes: 13, 14, and 20 ounce. Defective bottles have Contigo printed on the rim as well as on the bottom of the front side.

Contigo sells a variety of water bottles, but the recalled ones were sold between April 2018 and June 2019 at stores like Walmart, Costco, and Target. They cost anywhere from $9 to $24. Consumers with recalled Contigo Kids water bottles should contact the manufacturer directly in order to receive a replacement lid free of charge as well as inspection instructions.

The CPSC is dedicated to protecting consumers against unreasonable risks of injury and death from dangerous and defective products. Hazards associated with defective children’s products can be particularly severe, so it is critical to stay up to date on recall information.

If you have any additional questions or concerns about a defective children’s product or regarding injuries your child sustained because of a recalled product, someone at our firm can help. Please contact a representative directly.

Philadelphia Products Liability Lawyers at Galfand Berger, LLP Represent Victims of Recalled Products

If your child sustained injuries related to a defective or unreasonably unsafe product, please contact our Philadelphia personal injury attorneys. Galfand Berger has offices located in Philadelphia, Bethlehem, Lancaster, and Reading we serve clients throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey. To schedule a consultation, call us at 800-222-8792 or complete our online contact form.