Recall: Christmas Lights Recalled by Star Bros. and Almacenes Pitusa

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 18, 1998 Release # 98-070

Star Bros. Phone Number: (787) 781-3171 Almacenes Pitusa Phone Number: (787) 282-0202 ext. 4140 CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: Yolanda Fultz-Morris, (301) 504-7066

CPSC, Star Bros. Inc. and Almacenes Pitusa Inc. Announce Recall of Christmas Lights

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Star Bros. Inc. and Almacenes Pitusa Inc., both located in San Juan, Puerto Rico, are recalling about 13,000 Christmas light sets and tree toppers. The lights have weak connections and undersized wires, presenting a fire hazard.

Star Bros. Inc. and Almacenes Pitusa Inc. are not aware of any injuries involving these lights. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury.

Star Bros. Inc. is recalling the Christmas light sets. These light sets are available in assorted colored lights and have 100 lights on the wire. The packaging reads in part, "100/5 WAY FLASHER LIGHT SET...NOEL...MANUFACTURED FOR LIBERTY BELL...MADE IN CHINA." Almacenes Pitusa Inc. is recalling the tree topper lights. These tree toppers have 10 or 11 flashing assorted colored lights on the wire. The packaging reads in part, "FLASHING LIGHTS TREE TOP...YULETIDE TRADITIONS...MADE IN CHINA."

Retailers throughout Puerto Rico sold the lights from 1995 through 1997 for about $2 to $4.

Consumers should stop using the lights immediately and return them to the store where purchased for a refund. For more information, consumers should call either Star Bros. at (787) 781-3171 or Almacenes Pitusa at (787) 282-0202 ext. 4140.

Consumer inquiries in Spanish can be directed to CPSC's hotline at (800) 638-2772. Media inquiries in Spanish can be directed to Jésus Chaírez, CPSC, at (214) 827-6239.