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Santa Candle Holders and Potpourri Simmer Pots

CPSC Recall #97-044 - December 16, 1996

Recall Summary

Recall Number97-044
Recall DateDecember 16, 1996
Remedy TypeRefund
Units Affected32,000 Santa candle holders and potpourri simmer pots

Where It Was Sold

The candle holders were sold through dollar-type stores nationwide from October 1995 through November 1996 for about $1.

Product

Santa Candle Holders and Potpourri Simmer Pots

Description

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), two importers are recalling more than 32,000 Santa candle holders and potpourri simmer pots posing fire hazards. The paint on the Santa candle holders is flammable and the candle accompanying the potpourri simmer pots generates an excessive flame. An additional importer is issuing a warning about a candle that poses a potential fire hazard. The importers participating in this recall are Division Sales Inc. of Itasca, Ill., and New Design Inc. of Buffalo Grove, Ill. Giftco Inc. of Buffalo Grove, Ill., is the importer issuing the warning.   Division Sales Recall Division Sales Inc. is recalling about 10,000 ceramic Santa Claus Candle Holders, item 66539. The holder, measuring 5.5 inches high, has an opening in the back for a wax candle. The Santa figure is predominantly red and white with star-shaped openings in the back and front and a label on the bottom that reads, "MADE IN CHINA." The Santas are holding sacks, lanterns, dolls, cats, or dogs. The candle holders were sold through dollar-type stores nationwide from October 1995 through November 1996 for about $1. Division Sales is not aware of any injuries involving these candle holders. Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled candle holders, and return the holders to the store where purchased for a refund. For more information, consumers can call Division Sales at (800) 621-8134.   New Design Inc. Recall New Design Inc. is recalling about 22,000 porcelain Potpourri Simmer Pots. The potpourri simmer pots, measuring 5.5 inches high, come shaped as an angel, santa bear, or snowman. New Design has received four reports of the candle accompanying the pot flaming excessively. No injuries have been reported, but three of the reports involved minor property damage. The pots were sold through retail outlets nationwide during the Fall of 1996 for about $3. Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled pots, and return the pots to the store where purchased for a refund. For more information, consumers can call New Design Inc. collect at (847) 459-5655.   Giftco Inc. Warning Giftco Inc. is warning consumers about the candles in 29,000 Candy House Candle Holders. Some of the holders, measuring 4.5 inches high, were shipped with a defective votive candle that reportedly generates an excessive flame. The candle holders were sold through various fund-raising organizations nationwide during the Fall of 1996 for about $10. Giftco has received two reports of the defective candle setting the candle holder on fire. No injuries have been reported. Consumers should immediately discard the votive candle accompanying the candle holder. Consumers should replace the votive candle with one of the same size and only burn the candle in its metal holder. For more information, consumers can call Giftco Inc. at (800) 443-8261. If consumers have questions about these recalls or the warning, they should call the importers or CPSC's Hotline at (800) 638-2772.

Hazard

The paint on the Santa candle holders is flammable and the candle accompanying the potpourri simmer pots generates an excessive flame. An additional importer is issuing a warning about a candle that poses a potential fire hazard.

Incidents & Injuries

Giftco has received two reports of the defective candle setting the candle holder on fire. No injuries have been reported.  

Remedy Instructions

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled candle holders, and return the holders to the store where purchased for a refund. Consumers should immediately discard the votive candle accompanying the candle holder. Consumers should replace the votive candle with one of the same size and only burn the candle in its metal holder.

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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