Value City, Schottenstein Stores Recall Gel Candle Kits
NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 24, 2002
Release # 02-089
Value City Recall Hotline: (888) 870-9181 CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: Mark Ross, (301) 504-7076
CPSC and Value City, Schottenstein Stores Announce Recall of Gel Candle Kits
WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety
Commission (CPSC), Value City and Schottenstein stores, of Columbus,
Ohio, are voluntarily recalling about 2,300 children's gel candle kits.
When burned, the gel candle can melt the plastic candleholders included
with the kit, posing a fire hazard to consumers.
CPSC has received two reports of consumers claiming the plastic
candleholder melted and started a fire. One report involved substantial
damage to the consumer's home, and a consumer reportedly suffered burns
to his hands and feet. The other report involved minor damage to
furniture.
The Gel Candles kit includes four bags of gel chips in bright
colors, wicks, glitter, two glass holders, and two plastic
candleholders. The candleholders are in the shapes of a bumblebee and a
dragonfly, or a tulip and a daisy. The gel is scented in fruit flavors.
The kits have model numbers "3041" or "3042" written on the box. Other
writing on the box includes, "Express Ways! Gel Candles." "Scent-
sational Colored Gel!" and "AGES 8 AND OLDER."
Value City and Schottenstein discount stores nationwide sold these
gel candle kits from July 2001 through December 2001 for about $4.
Consumers should stop using these candles immediately and return
them to the store where purchased for a refund. For more information,
call Value City at (888) 870-9181 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday
through Friday, or go to the firm's web site at www.valuecity.com (note added 01/18/2005 - recall information is no longer on the firm's web site).