Eddie Bauer Propane Lanterns
CPSC Recall #03-194 — September 24, 2003
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 03-194 |
| Recall Date | September 24, 2003 |
| Remedy Type | Refund |
| Units Affected | 12,300 |
| Manufacturer | The Wenzel Co., of St. Louis, Mo. |
| Manufactured In | China |
Where It Was Sold
| Target stores nationwide from February 2003 through July 2003 for between $38 and $50. |
Product
Eddie Bauer Propane Lanterns
Description
WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), The Wenzel Co., of St. Louis, Mo., is voluntarily recalling 12,300 Eddie Bauer Propane Lanterns. The lanterns could produce high levels of carbon monoxide (CO), posing a risk of CO poisoning to consumers if the lantern is used indoors.Name of product: Eddie Bauer Propane LanternsUnits: 12,300Manufacturer: The Wenzel Co., of St. Louis, Mo.Hazard: The lanterns could produce high levels of carbon monoxide (CO), posing a risk of CO poisoning to consumers if the lantern is used indoors.Incidents/Injuries: None reported. This voluntary recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injuries.Description: The Eddie Bauer lantern, sold exclusively at Target stores, is ocean blue with two mantles. It has a glass globe, electronic ignition, and an extra-large hood and handle. When assembled, the lantern sits on a plastic base that houses the propane fuel cylinder. The "Eddie Bauer" name appears on the front of the product on an oval panel immediately below a black on/off switch. The Wenzel Company produces the lantern under license with Eddie Bauer.Sold at: Target stores nationwide from February 2003 through July 2003 for between $38 and $50.Manufactured in: ChinaRemedy: Consumers should return these lanterns to any Target store or contact The Wenzel Co. for a refund. Consumers should detach the lantern from the propane cylinder and should return only the lantern itself to the Target store.Consumer Contact: Call Wenzel toll-free at (800) 972-3151 anytime, or visit Wenzel's website at www.wenzelco.com.
Hazard
The lanterns could produce high levels of carbon monoxide (CO), posing a risk of CO poisoning to consumers if the lantern is used indoors.
Incidents & Injuries
None reported.
Remedy Instructions
Consumers should return these lanterns to any Target store or contact The Wenzel Co. for a refund. Consumers should detach the lantern from the propane cylinder and should return only the lantern itself to the Target store.
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.