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.