Tanglefoot Tree Wound and Grafting Compound
CPSC Recall #01-071a — January 22, 2001
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 01-071a |
| Recall Date | January 22, 2001 |
| Remedy Type | Replace |
| Units Affected | About 35,000 |
Where It Was Sold
| Hardware stores and nurseries nationwide sold the compound from November 1996 through August 1999 for between $5 and $18 |
| depending on the size of the can. |
Product
Tanglefoot Tree Wound and Grafting Compound
Description
PRODUCT: Tree Wound and Grafting Compound - The Tanglefoot Co., of Grand Rapids, Mich., is recalling about 35,000 cans of Tree Wound and Grafting Compound, used to seal pruning cuts and other tree wounds. The product is sold in pint, quart and gallon cans that are labeled "Tanglefoot, Tree Wound & Grafting Compound." The recalled cans were filled from November 11, 1996, through May 5, 1999. This five-digit date (written as year, month, day) is stamped on the back of the can's label. For example, "81127" means the can was filled on November 27, 1998. Hardware stores and nurseries nationwide sold the compound from November 1996 through August 1999 for between $5 and $18, depending on the size of the can.PROBLEM: Pressure can build inside the can and forcibly discharge the compound, which can cause temporary skin irritation.INCIDENTS/INJURIES: The Tanglefoot Co. has received 34 reports of containers discharging their contents. No injuries have been reported.WHAT TO DO: Return the product to the store where purchased for a replacement. For more information, call The Tanglefoot Company toll-free at (800) 215-0938 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CDT Monday through Friday or email the company at [email protected].
Hazard
Pressure can build inside the can and forcibly discharge the compound, which can cause temporary skin irritation.
Incidents & Injuries
The Tanglefoot Co. has received 34 reports of containers discharging their contents. No injuries have been reported.
Remedy Instructions
Return the product to the store where purchased for a replacement.
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.