Recall: Lava Java Mugs Recalled by Vesture

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	CONTACT:
September 3, 1997	(301) 504-7908
Release # 97-182

CPSC,Vesture Corp. Announce Recall of Microwaveable Beverage Mugs

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Vesture Corp. of Asheboro, N.C., is recalling about 44,000 microwaveable beverage mugs sold under the name Lava Java. When heated in a microwave, the mug can ignite posing a fire hazard, or the mug's hard plastic shell can split open allowing hot thermal material to be discharged from the mug posing a risk of burn injuries to consumers.

Vesture Corp. is aware of 14 reports of mugs catching on fire or discharging thermal material. Four consumers have reported being burned from the discharge of thermal material, two of whom sustained second-degree burns. Reported damage from the fires has been limited to the mugs or the microwave ovens.

The recalled mug, measuring 5.75 inches high with a 5-inch wide bottom and 3.5-inch wide top, holds a 14-ounce beverage. The mug is made from hard plastic, colored gray, green or burgundy. The base and top of the mug are black. The words "Lava Java" are imprinted into the mug's top, side and base. Usage instructions also are imprinted into the mug's base. "MICROCORETM" is imprinted on the top of the mug's straight-shaped handle.

The mug is packaged in a cardboard box that is labeled in part, "Lava JavaTM ...Microwaveable Heated Mug with MICROCORETM." There is a photograph of the mug on the box.



Retail stores, such as Walmart and Stein Mart, and the Veterans' Canteens in Veterans Administration Medical Centers nationwide sold the mugs from July 1996 through January 1997 for about $10.

Consumers should stop using the mugs immediately and return them to the store where purchased for a full refund. Consumers also can call Vesture Corp. at (800) 283-7887 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. EDT Monday through Friday to receive a postage-paid return envelope for the mug and a refund by mail.

Other Lava Java mugs are not included in this recall. These other mugs can be identified by their curved-shaped handles. The handles of these other mugs do not have the word "MICROCORETM" imprinted on them.