Full Breakdown
Target Recalls Cat & Jack Children’s Sandals Over Choking Hazard
7/19/2026, 11:45:55 AM
Recall Overview
Target announced a voluntary recall of its Cat & Jack-branded children’s sandals after the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) warned that decorative plastic pearls can detach and create a choking risk. The recall covers sandals sold in Target stores and on target.com from January 2026 through May 2026. Target estimates the recall involves roughly 211,000 pairs, while other reports describe “more than 200,000” units. No injuries have been reported, and the company is offering a full refund to purchasers.
Product Description & Hazard
The recalled sandals are tan, sized 5T through 12T, and feature two raffia straps with gold buckles, a Cat & Jack logo on the sole, and plastic pearls sewn onto the upper. The CPSC received 23 reports that the pearls fell off, prompting concerns that a child could ingest a detached pearl, leading to serious injury or death.
Official Statements & Responses
Target’s recall notice instructs customers to stop using the sandals immediately, remove them from children’s reach, and return the shoes to any Target store or request a prepaid mailing label for a refund. The CPSC’s recall announcement emphasizes the same return options and underscores the potential severity of the choking hazard.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the exact quantity recalled: three outlets cite “about 211,000 pairs,” while one describes “more than 200,000 pairs.” All sources agree on the 23 incident reports and the absence of reported injuries. No additional information on the manufacturing batch or timeline for the recall’s completion has been provided.
Consumer Guidance
- Discontinue use of the sandals immediately.
- Keep the shoes away from children.
- Return the sandals to any Target location for a full refund or request a prepaid return label from Target’s customer-service line.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Consumers will be asked to return the sandals to any store or use a prepaid label to return the sandals by mail.” — U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
- “Target said it received 23 reports of the sandal's pearls falling off the shoe.” — Target
- “The sandals have decorative pearls which can fall off. This poses a risk of serious injury or death from a choking hazard.” — U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
- “On July 16, 2026, the company issued a voluntary recall on about 211,000 units of the Cat & Jack Sandal.” — Target
- “No injuries have been reported.” — Target
