Target Issues Recall for Cat & Jack Toddler Sandal Over Choking Hazard

Product Recalls - July 30, 2026

Cat & Jack Children’s Sandals Recalled by Target Due to Risk of Serious Injury or Death From Choking Hazard

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS (July 30, 2026) – Target has issued a recall for the popular Cat & Jack Toddler Sandals because they can pose a serious risk of injury or even death from choking.

The recall was issued on July 16, 2026. An estimated 211,000 units were sold prior to the recall.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has reported that the decorative curls on the sandals can come off. If a child were to ingest these, they could be seriously injured or killed.

Target has received a total of 23 reports of the curls falling off the shoes. There have been no public reports of injuries at this time.

The shoes were originally manufactured in Cambodia and sold at Target stores nationwide.

Liability for Injuries Caused by Defective Consumer Products

Companies that design, manufacture, or distribute products that are sold to children have a legal responsibility to ensure that those products are used safely. In particular, any decorative components of a sandal or other product must be adequately secured and not likely to create a foreseeable choking hazard. What follows are some of the steps that companies should take to prevent their products from becoming choking hazards.

• Companies must test their products in all of the ways that they are likely to be used and even misused.
• Companies should create products from materials that are not likely to break apart into small pieces.
• Companies should install adequate warnings on their products if they have small components that could pose a choking hazard.
• Companies should abide by all safety regulations set forth by the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

When a manufacturer creates a product with design defects, this could form the basis of a product liability claim. Product liability claims are typically a strict liability offense. Manufacturers will be liable for defective products, even if they exercise a great deal of care to avoid harm. Courts will take into consideration the utility of the product when evaluating whether or not it is unreasonably dangerous.

How an Attorney Can Help After Being Injured by Consumer Products

Accidents involving consumer products remain a considerable source of preventable harm for young children. According to the National Safety Council, “In 2024, 15.1 million people were treated in emergency departments for injuries resulting from consumer products. Most of the injuries involve everyday products often assumed to be safe. Many of these injuries occur to our most vulnerable populations, older adults and young children. Common products such as televisions, household cleaning products, and even beds can pose risks.” There are many different ways that an attorney can help after an injury involving a consumer product.

• Evidence: An attorney can help collect key pieces of evidence to demonstrate a manufacturer is liable.
• Investigation: An attorney can conduct a risk-free investigation into all the potentially liable parties.
• Negotiation: An attorney can handle all negotiations with insurance providers.
• Compensation: An attorney can take into consideration all of the ways that you’ve been harmed so that they can ensure you receive fair compensation.

There is a tremendous peace of mind that comes with hiring a personal injury attorney after being injured by a defective product. Perhaps one of the greatest benefits of hiring an attorney is that they work entirely on a contingency fee basis. In other words, there are no upfront costs to hiring an attorney. They get paid entirely by the opposing party’s insurance provider if they are able to successfully resolve your claim. There is, however, a statute of limitations associated with civil claims. Failing to act within that statute of limitations results in the permanent forfeiture of your rights.

Getting Legal Help After Being Injured by a Consumer Product

Horwitz Horwitz & Associates is committed to alerting the public to safety issues raised by defective consumer products. It is our belief that parents should not have to worry that their children will be seriously injured by faulty products. Unfortunately, far too many companies prioritize their own profits over safety.

Have you or your child been injured by a defective consumer product? Are you facing mounting medical bills or other hardships? There are a number of laws designed to protect your rights. You may be entitled to significant financial compensation. Our team of experienced Illinois product liability attorneys is here to assist you. Whether you just have legal questions or are wondering how an attorney may be able to help, we are here to serve your needs. You can contact us anytime at (312) 564-4256.