Recall of the Week: Under Armour chin straps for football helmets due to laceration hazard

By Rita R. Robison

Under Armour Inc. is recalling about 541,000 UA Defender Chin Straps.

The metal snap that connects the chin strap to the helmet has sharp edges, posing a laceration hazard when the user’s metal snap comes into contact with another player, Under Armour and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said in a statement.

Under Armour has received six reports of injuries that required stitches.

The recall involves all UA Defender Chin Straps. They were sold in the following colors: white and black, red, midnight, navy, and royal.

The chin straps have a hard nylon shell, a padded chin area, and a plastic strap with “Under Armour” printed on it. The chin straps have metal clasps that tighten the straps and attach them to the helmet.

Manufactured in China, the chin straps were sold at Sporting goods stores and Under Armour outlet stores nationwide and at www.underarmour.com from January 2008 through September 2011. The cost was about $20.

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled chin straps and contact Under Armour for a free replacement, the company and commission advise.

For additional information, contact Under Armour toll-free at 888-823-0343 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s website at www.underarmour.com.

For details on other recalls, see www.recalls.gov.