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Oval Braided Rugs

CPSC Recall #97-181 - September 2, 1997

Recall Summary

Recall Number97-181
Recall DateSeptember 2, 1997
Remedy TypeRefund
Units AffectedMore than 249,000

Where It Was Sold

The single rugs were sold nationwide at Walmart
Family Dollar
Dollar General stores
Woolworths and other independent retailers from January 1997 through June 1997 for about $4 to $5. Walmart stores nationwide sold the three-rug sets from January 1997 through June 1997 for about $50.

Product

Oval Braided Rugs

Description

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Achim Importing Co. of Brooklyn, N.Y., is voluntarily recalling more than 249,000 oval braided rugs. These rugs, which fail to meet federal mandatory standards for flammability, could ignite readily and present a serious risk of burn injuries in violation of the federal Flammable Fabrics Act.The standard allows for the sale of flammable small rugs, with an area less than 24 square feet, provided they are labeled, "Flammable (Fails U.S. Department of Commerce Standard FF 2-70): Should not be used near source of ignition." Rugs larger than 24 square feet not meeting this standard are not allowed to be sold. Most of the rugs sold by Achim were less than 24 square feet, but did not bear the required label.CPSC and Achim are not aware of any injuries involving these rugs. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury.Achim distributed about 230,000 small rugs, which measure about 20 inches by 30 inches, or 30 inches by 50 inches. They were sold in various mulit-color braids, including Wedgwood blue, burgundy, hunter green, gray and tan. The rugs were labeled in part, "SEASONS BRAID ... TOP QUALITY BRAIDED OVAL RUG ... REVERSIBLE FOR LONGER WEAR ... STAIN AND FADE RESISTANT ... 90% POLYPROPYENE 10% NYLON ... ACHIM Made in China."Achim also distributed about 6,400 three-rug sets packaged in a plastic, zippered bag.The sets contained one rug that measures 54 inches by 90 inches, and two rugs that measure 20 inches by 30 inches. They were sold in various multi-color braids, including burgundy, hunter green and blue. The label on the rug sets reads in part, "SEASONS BRAID ... SET OF THREE ... Made in China ... RN#25600."The single rugs were sold nationwide at Walmart, Family Dollar, Dollar General stores, Woolworths and other independent retailers from January 1997 through June 1997 for about $4 to $5. Walmart stores nationwide sold the three-rug sets from January 1997 through June 1997 for about $50.Consumers should stop using the large rugs immediately, and return the entire set to the store where purchased for a full refund. At their option, consumers also may return the small rugs purchased individually for a full refund, or keep them and obtain the appropriate caution labels from Achim. All rugs should be removed from areas close to sources of ignition, such as near fireplaces and stoves. Consumers can call Achim at (800) 54-ACHIM or (800) 542-2446 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. EDT Monday through Friday.

Hazard

These rugs, which fail to meet federal mandatory standards for flammability, could ignite readily and present a serious risk of burn injuries in violation of the federal Flammable Fabrics Act.

Incidents & Injuries

CPSC and Achim are not aware of any injuries involving these rugs. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury.

Remedy Instructions

Consumers should stop using the large rugs immediately, and return the entire set to the store where purchased for a full refund. At their option, consumers also may return the small rugs purchased individually for a full refund, or keep them and obtain the appropriate caution labels from Achim. All rugs should be removed from areas close to sources of ignition, such as near fireplaces and stoves.

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.

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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 (Refund) 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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