Flammable Area Rugs (Wal-Mart) – Fire Risk (1997)

Check Your Product

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

Reason for Recall

As stated by CPSC

Flammable Rugs Recall by Achim Importing NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772 September 3, 1997 CPSC CONTACT: Mark Ross, (301) 504-7076 Release # 97-181 CPSC, Achim Importing Co. Announce Recall of Flammable Rugs 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.

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.