Recall: "BIC" Cigarette Lighters Recalled by Vaid Enterprises

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 14, 2000 Release # 00-155

CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: Ken Giles, (301) 504-7052

CPSC, Vaid Enterprises Announce Recall of "BIC" Cigarette Lighters

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Vaid Enterprises, of Jersey City, N.J., is recalling about 294,000 disposable cigarette lighters. The lighters do not have child-resistant mechanisms, as required by federal law. Young children could ignite the lighters, presenting fire and burn hazards.

CPSC and Vaid Enterprises are not aware of any injuries involving these cigarette lighters. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injuries.

The disposable cigarette lighters being recalled are oval-tube- shaped "BIC" and mini- "BIC" brand lighters. The lighters have a green, red, blue, black or yellow body and a metal top. "BIC" and "made in France" is imprinted into the metal top of the lighter. A label on the lighter reads, "WARNING KEEP AWAY FROM CHILDREN." The standard size lighters have the UPC number 3 086120 600020 and the mini-lighters have the UPC number 3 086120 600051.

Convenience, gas, grocery and thrift stores in the Eastern U.S. sold these disposable cigarette lighters from January 2000 through April 2000 for about $1.

Consumers should stop using these lighters immediately and return them to the store where purchased for a refund. For more information, call CPSC at (800) 638-2772 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.

The U.S. Customs Service, as a part of a joint enforcement program, brought this to CPSC's attention.

IMPORTANT: Please see the advisory issued subsequent to this recall for an important clarification.