Citronella-Scented Paper-Wrapped Torch, item R2J

CPSC Recall #94-093 — June 14, 1994

Recall Summary

Recall Number94-093
Recall DateJune 14, 1994
Remedy TypeRefund
Units AffectedAbout 92,000

Product

Citronella-Scented Paper-Wrapped Torch, item R2J

Description

PRODUCT: About 92,000 three-foot citronella-scented, paper-wrapped torches, Item R2J, distributed by Trade Associates Group Ltd. ("tag"). The torch is designed for temporary outdoor lighting and insect control. The R2J paper-wrapped lawn torches were sold in retail stores nationwide from February 1993 to April 1994 ranging in price from $2.00 to $3.00 each. The torch is a three-foot long bamboo stick supporting a wax candle covered in multi-colored wax paper. The name "tag" appears on the packaging. This recall should not be confused with the "tag" R1J "swirl design" torch which is a solid-colored wax candle not wrapped in paper. The R1J has been sold successfully for over fifteen years and as reported by "tag" is perfectly safe. PROBLEM: The "tag" Item R2J paper-wrapped lawn torches may suddenly erupt, shooting flames and hot wax. "tag" has received four reports of incidents in which six bystanders were burned. WHAT TO DO: Consumers should stop using the item R2J paper- wrapped torches and return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. WASHINGTON, DC -- CPSC, Trade Associates Group ("tag") of Chicago, Illinois, is voluntarily recalling the "Citronella-Scented Paper-Wrapped Torch, item R2J". The R2J paper-wrapped lawn torch may suddenly erupt shooting flames and hot wax. This recall should not be confused with the "tag" R1J "swirl design" torch which is a solid colored wax candle not wrapped in paper. The R1J has been sold successfully for over fifteen years and as reported by "tag" is perfectly safe. "tag" has received four reports of incidents concerning the recalled R2J paper-wrapped torch in which six bystanders were burned from the hot wax. The recalled item R2J multi-colored, paper-wrapped torch is a three-foot long bamboo stick supporting a wax candle. The name "tag" appears on the packaging near the base of the candle. The torch is designed for temporary outside lighting and insect control. The R1J torch, not affected by this recall, is a four-foot long, swirl-shaped wax candle on a bamboo stick, not wrapped in paper and sold in solid colors of fuchsia, olive, blue, rust, honey, white, purple, red, yellow and teal. The R1J has been sold successfully for over fifteen years and as reported by "tag" is perfectly safe. The recalled model R2J, multi-colored, paper-wrapped torch was sold nationwide from February 1993 to April 1994 in retail stores for $2.00 to $3.00 each. Consumers should stop using the recalled R2J, paper-wrapped, multi-colored torches and return them to place of purchase for a full refund.

Hazard

The "tag" Item R2J paper-wrapped lawn torches may suddenly erupt, shooting flames and hot wax.

Incidents & Injuries

"tag" has received four reports of incidents concerning the recalled R2J paper-wrapped torch in which six bystanders were burned from the hot wax.

Remedy Instructions

Consumers should stop using the recalled R2J, paper-wrapped, multi-colored torches and return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.

What Should You Do?

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

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 (Refund) at no cost to you.

Yes. If you were injured by a defective consumer product — whether recalled or not — you may have grounds for a product liability claim against the manufacturer and potentially the retailer. A recall notice can serve as evidence that the manufacturer was aware of the defect. Injuries that may support a claim include burns, lacerations, fractures, electric shock, choking incidents, and chemical exposure. Most product liability attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless you win. Consult an attorney promptly, as statutes of limitation vary by state.

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.