Proven Value Antifreeze

CPSC Recall #86-019 - March 16, 1986

Recall Summary

Recall Number86-019
Recall DateMarch 16, 1986
Remedy TypeReplace
Units AffectedApproximately 106,000 gallons were distributed.

Product

Proven Value Antifreeze

Description

Washington, D.C. -- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Sharp Industrial Chemical Supply, Inc., today announced a voluntary recall of one-gallon containers of "Proven Value Antifreeze" distributed by Sharp. This recall is being undertaken because gallon-sized containers of "Proven Value Antifreeze" were distributed with incorrect labeling and without the child-resistant closures (CRCS) required by federal law. The Commission is aware of no cases of accidental ingestion of "Proven Value Antifreeze." However, the Commission said, the recall is in the public interest to preclude the possibility of such ingestion. If a child ingests ethylene glycol, a serious injury or death could result if first aid treatment is not administered immediately. The American Association of Poison Control Centers estimated there were 1.4 million childhood poison exposures in 1983. These findings were based on Poison Control Center reports. This figure is too high and the Commission will continue to pursue its goal of significantly reducing childhood poison exposures. "Proven Value Antifreeze" has been sold principally in Texas, New Mexico and Louisiana. In 1985, approximately 106,000 gallons were distributed. Consumers who have unused containers of "Proven Value Antifreeze" should return the containers to the place of purchase and request replacement units and/or approved CRCS to be affixed to these containers. Extreme care should be taken to keep these containers out of reach of children until such time as they can be returned to place of purchase.

Hazard

This recall is being undertaken because gallon-sized containers of "Proven Value Antifreeze" were distributed with incorrect labeling and without the child-resistant closures (CRCS) required by federal law.

Incidents & Injuries

The Commission is aware of no cases of accidental ingestion of "Proven Value Antifreeze."

Remedy Instructions

Consumers who have unused containers of "Proven Value Antifreeze" should return the containers to the place of purchase and request replacement units and/or approved CRCS to be affixed to these containers.

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.

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.

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.