CPSC, Achim Importing Co. Announce Recall of Flammable Rugs
WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer
Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Achim Importing Co. of
Brooklyn, N.Y., is voluntarily recalling more than 249,000
oval braided rugs. These rugs, which fail to meet federal
mandatory standards for flammability, could ignite readily
and present a serious risk of burn injuries in violation of
the federal Flammable Fabrics Act.
The standard allows for the sale of flammable small
rugs, with an area less than 24 square feet, provided they
are labeled, "Flammable (Fails U.S. Department of Commerce
Standard FF 2-70): Should not be used near source of
ignition." Rugs larger than 24 square feet not meeting this
standard are not allowed to be sold. Most of the rugs sold
by Achim were less than 24 square feet, but did not bear the
required label.
CPSC and Achim are not aware of any injuries involving
these rugs. This recall is being conducted to prevent the
possibility of injury.
Achim distributed about 230,000 small rugs, which
measure about 20 inches by 30 inches, or 30 inches by 50
inches. They were sold in various mulit-color braids,
including Wedgwood blue, burgundy, hunter green, gray and
tan. The rugs were labeled in part, "SEASONS BRAID ... TOP
QUALITY BRAIDED OVAL RUG ... REVERSIBLE FOR LONGER WEAR ...
STAIN AND FADE RESISTANT ... 90% POLYPROPYENE 10%
NYLON ... ACHIM Made in China."
Achim also distributed about 6,400 three-rug sets
packaged in a plastic, zippered bag.
The sets contained one rug that measures 54 inches by 90
inches, and two rugs that measure 20 inches by 30 inches.
They were sold in various multi-color braids, including
burgundy, hunter green and blue. The label on the rug sets
reads in part, "SEASONS BRAID ... SET OF THREE ... Made in
China ... RN#25600."
The single rugs were sold nationwide at Walmart, Family
Dollar, Dollar General stores, Woolworths and other
independent retailers from January 1997 through June 1997
for about $4 to $5. Walmart stores nationwide sold the
three-rug sets from January 1997 through
June 1997 for about $50.
Consumers should stop using the large rugs immediately,
and return the entire set to the store where purchased for a
full refund. At their option, consumers also may return the
small rugs purchased individually for a full refund, or keep
them and obtain the appropriate caution labels from Achim.
All rugs should be removed from areas close to sources of
ignition, such as near fireplaces and stoves. Consumers can
call Achim at (800) 54-ACHIM or (800) 542-2446 between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m. EDT Monday through Friday.