For Immediate Release
October 16, 2002
Release #03-014
CPSC Media Contact: Yolanda Fultz-Morris (301) 504-0580 Ext. 1219
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
Target Recall Hotline: (800) 440-0680
CPSC, Target Corp. Announce Recall of Decorative Jack-O-Lanterns
WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety
Commission (CPSC), Target Corp., of Minneapolis, Minn., is voluntarily
recalling about 26,000 ceramic Jack-O-Lanterns. The flame of a candle
placed inside the Jack-O-Lantern could ignite the straw ribbon on the
outside, posing fire and burn hazards to consumers.
Target has received two reports of candles causing smoke and heat
at the top of the Jack-O-Lantern, though no injuries or property damage
has been reported.
The recalled ceramic Jack-O-Lanterns are shaped like a pumpkin and
are five inches tall, six inches wide, and three inches deep. The tan
colored pumpkins have an opening in the back and a straw ribbon
attached to the stem of the Jack-O-Lantern. A label attached to the
stem of the pumpkin reads, "OCTOBER HARVEST." The Jack-O-Lanterns were
manufactured in China.
Target stores nationwide sold the Jack-O-Lanterns from September
2000 through October 2002 for about $5.
Consumers should immediately stop using the Jack-O-Lanterns and
return them to the Target store where purchased for a full refund. For
more information, call Target at (800) 440-0680 anytime or log on to the
company's website at www.target.com.