For Immediate Release
December 24, 2002
Release # 03-061
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
Atico Recall Hotline: (800) 645-3867
CPSC Media Contact: Scott Wolfson (301) 504-0580 Ext. 1189

CPSC, Atico International Announce Recall of Christmas Candles

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Atico International USA Inc., of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., is voluntarily recalling about 60,000 Christmas tealight candles. The wick is not properly set inside the tealight, which may cause the plastic holder to melt and pose a fire hazard to consumers.

Atico has received one report involving melting of the plastic holder; however, no injuries have been reported.

The recalled candles have a clear plastic holder and were available in red, white and green. Some of the candles have the words, "Merry Christmas," "Christmas Morning," "Candy Cane," or "A Christmas Avenue" on the packaging. These candles were manufactured in China.

Eckerds, Kerr Drugs, Snyders Drugstore, and Farmacias El Amal stores nationwide sold the candles from September 2002 through December 2002 for between $2.50 and $4.

Consumers should stop using the candles immediately and return them to the store from which they were purchased for a full refund. Consumers also can receive a refund by returning the candles to Atico International USA Inc, 501 S. Andrews Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301. For more information, consumers can call Atico at (800) 645-3867 between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.