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Paper candle shades

CPSC Recall #98-162 — August 31, 1998

Recall Summary

Recall Number98-162
Recall DateAugust 31, 1998
Remedy TypeReplace
Units AffectedAbout 42,000

Where It Was Sold

Specialty gift and department stores nationwide sold the paper shades from January 1992 through April 1998 for about $38 to $95.

Product

Paper candle shades

Description

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), MacKenzie-Childs Ltd., of Aurora, N.Y., is recalling about 42,000 paper candle shades. Use of the paper shade with a candle presents a fire hazard. MacKenzie-Childs has received three reports of the paper shades igniting after contacting the flame of the accompanying candle. There is one report of minor property damage. No injuries have been reported. The paper shades are decorated with various colors and designs, beads and ribbons. "MacKenzie-Childs, Ltd" is printed inside the shades. The shades measure about 5 inches high, 2 inches wide on top and 6 inches wide on bottom. The shades are designed to sit on top of a candle with the use of a metal candle follower. The top of the candle follower supports the shade, and the bottom sits on top of the candle and moves down the length of the candle as it melts. Specialty gift and department stores nationwide sold the paper shades from January 1992 through April 1998 for about $38 to $95. Consumers should immediately stop using the paper shades with candles. Consumers should return the original paper shade to the store where purchased to receive a free, replacement paper shade that is fire-resistant. For more information, consumers can call MacKenzie-Childs at (800) 640-0488 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. EDT Monday through Friday.

Hazard

Use of the paper shade with a candle presents a fire hazard.

Incidents & Injuries

MacKenzie-Childs has received three reports of the paper shades igniting after contacting the flame of the accompanying candle. There is one report of minor property damage. No injuries have been reported.

Remedy Instructions

Consumers should immediately stop using the paper shades with candles. Consumers should return the original paper shade to the store where purchased to receive a free, replacement paper shade that is fire-resistant.

What Should You Do?

Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Replace at no charge. If you experienced an injury, report it at SaferProducts.gov.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Follow the consumer action instructions in the recall notice above. Most recalls require you to stop using the product and contact the manufacturer directly — either by calling the toll-free number listed in the official CPSC notice or by visiting the manufacturer's website. You generally do not need a receipt or original packaging to claim a remedy. The manufacturer is legally required to provide the remedy (Replace) at no cost to you.

If the product caused a fire or burn injury, document the incident with photos and preserve the product if it is safe to do so. Report the incident to the CPSC at SaferProducts.gov and to your local fire department. Contact the manufacturer to inform them of the incident — they are required to track and report injuries to CPSC. You may also want to consult a personal injury attorney, as fire and burn injuries caused by defective products can be grounds for a product liability claim against the manufacturer.

In most cases, no. CPSC-coordinated recall remedies are designed to be accessible without proof of purchase. Manufacturers typically ask consumers to self-certify ownership and may ask for photos of the product or its serial number. Some manufacturers request that you mail in a portion of the product (such as a cut cord or removed component) as proof of disposal. Check the specific remedy instructions for this recall for exact requirements. If you registered your product at the time of purchase, the process is usually even simpler.

If the original manufacturer has gone out of business, the recall remedy may no longer be available through them. In this case, contact CPSC directly at 1-800-638-2772 or cpsc.gov for guidance. If the brand was acquired by another company, the acquiring company may have assumed recall obligations. In some cases where a remedy is unavailable, CPSC advises consumers to safely dispose of the product. If you were injured by the product of a defunct company, consult a product liability attorney — parent companies, distributors, and retailers may still bear liability in some circumstances.

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