Recall: Novelty Cigarette Lighters Recalled by Specialty Sales Co. Inc.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 12, 2002 Release # 02-177

Lighter Recall Hotline: (510) 581-3869 CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: Mark Ross, (301) 504-7076

CPSC, Specialty Sales Co. Inc. Announce Recall of Novelty Cigarette Lighters

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Specialty Sales Co. Inc., of Castro Valley, Calif., is recalling about 6,000 novelty cigarette lighters. These lighters do not have child-resistant mechanisms, as required by federal law. Young children could ignite the lighters, posing fire and burn hazards.

CPSC and Specialty Sales Co. Inc. have not received any reports of injuries or incidents. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injuries.

This recall involves two types of lighters. The first type is a refillable, liquid-fueled lighter with various decals depicting one of the following: a frog with a banjo sitting on a lily, a man in the moon, Tweety Bird, a unicorn, and a skull and crossbones. "Made in China" is written on a label on these lighters. The second type of lighter is a refillable, gas-fueled, piezo-electric lighter with a dolphin molded on the side. The dolphin's head serves as a hinged cover for the ignition button and flame port. There is no writing on these lighters.

Convenience and liquor stores and gas station food markets in northern California sold these lighters from March 1999 through April 2002 for about $4.

Consumers should stop using these lighters immediately and return them to the store where purchased for a refund. For more information, call Specialty Sales Co. Inc. collect at (510) 581-3869 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday.