Nike, in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), announced a voluntary recall of approximately 235,000 football helmet chin straps because the plastic cup on the strap can break upon contact, exposing the player to head and facial injuries.

To date, Nike has received 18 reports of the chin straps breaking, including two reports of facial lacerations that required stitches, a broken nose and two reports of concussions.

The Nike Swoosh trademark is printed on the outside of the chin cup and DRI-FITâ„¢ is printed on the foam liner. “Made in China” and one of the following four style numbers is printed on the inside of the strap: FA0016 046, FA0016 130, FA0021 046, or FA0021 130.

Consumers are advised to stop using the chin straps immediately and to contact Nike for a product voucher that can be used at www.NikeStore.com.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Nike toll-free at (888) 583-6453 between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.nikebiz.com.

For more information on this subject, please visit our section on Defective and Dangerous Products.