Citronella Lawn Torch (tag) – Safety Concerns (1994)

Check Your Product

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)

Reason for Recall

As stated by CPSC

June 15, 1994 Release # 94-093 PRODUCT: About 92,000 three-foot citronella-scented, paper- wrapped torches, Item R2J, distributed by Trade Associates Group Ltd. ("tag"). The torch is designed for temporary outdoor lighting and insect control. The R2J paper-wrapped lawn torches were sold in retail stores nationwide from February 1993 to April 1994 ranging in price from $2.00 to $3.00 each. The torch is a three-foot long bamboo stick supporting a wax candle covered in multi-colored wax paper. The name "tag" appears on the packaging. This recall should not be confused with the "tag" R1J "swirl design" torch which is a solid-colored wax candle not wrapped in paper. The R1J has been sold successfully for over fifteen years and as reported by "tag" is perfectly safe.PROBLEM: The "tag" Item R2J paper-wrapped lawn torches may suddenly erupt, shooting flames and hot wax. "tag" has received four reports of incidents in which six bystanders were burned.WHAT TO DO: Consumers should stop using the item R2J paper- wrapped torches and return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. WASHINGTON, DC -- CPSC, Trade Associates Group ("tag") of Chicago, Illinois, is voluntarily recalling the "Citronella- Scented Paper-Wrapped Torch, item R2J". The R2J paper-wrapped lawn torch may suddenly erupt shooting flames and hot wax. This recall should not be confused with the "tag" R1J "swirl design" torch which is a solid colored wax candle not wrapped in paper. The R1J has been sold successfully for over fifteen years and as reported by "tag" is perfectly safe."tag" has received four reports of incidents concerning the recalled R2J paper-wrapped torch in which six bystanders were burned from the hot wax.The recalled item R2J multi-colored, paper-wrapped torch is a three-foot long bamboo stick supporting a wax candle. The name "tag" appears on the packaging near the base of the candle. The torch is designed for temporary outside lighting and insect control.The R1J torch, not affected by this recall, is a four-foot long, swirl-shaped wax candle on a bamboo stick, not wrapped in paper and sold in solid colors of fushia, olive, blue, rust, honey, white, purple, red, yellow and teal. The R1J has been sold successfully for over fifteen years and as reported by "tag" is perfectly safe.The recalled model R2J, multi-colored, paper-wrapped torch was sold nationwide from February 1993 to April 1994 in retail stores for $2.00 to $3.00 each.Consumers should stop using the recalled R2J, paper-wrapped, multi-colored torches and return them to place of purchase for a full refund

Recommended Action

Per CPSC guidance

The CPSC advises consumers to stop using the product. Contact the manufacturer or return the product to the place of purchase.