FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 20, 2004
Release # 05-019
Zippo's Hotline: (888) 670-2940
CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908
CPSC, Zippo Announce Recall of Multi-Purpose Utility Lighters
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announces
the following recall in voluntary cooperation with the firm below.
Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless
otherwise instructed.
Name of product: MPL, multi-purpose utility lighter
Units: 101,557
Manufacturer: Zippo Manufacturing Company, of Bradford, Pa.
Hazard: The utility lighters may spill fuel from the nozzle when first
used, causing a potential fire hazard through a secondary source of
ignition.
Incidents/Injuries: There have been 27 reports that the butane fuel
spills out of the nozzle when first used. There have been no reports
that the product ignited or caused any injury. This recall is being
conducted to prevent the possibility of injury.
Description: The Zippo MPL (Multi-Purpose Lighter) uses refillable
butane fuel, is child resistant, and measures 8 inches long and 1 inch
wide. The utility lighter is finished in black metal or silver metal
with a chrome nozzle. The black unit is packaged in a blister pack with
black and red graphics and the silver unit is in a silver gift box. Only
utility lighters with these date codes are recalled: G03, H03, I03,
ZH03. The date code is on the black adjuster knob on the bottom of the
lighter.
Sold at: The Zippo Multi-Purpose Lighters were sold at Lowes, Bed Bath &
Beyond, select Yankee Candle stores, Barbeque Galore, Harrington and
Hammacher Schlemmer Catalog, select Wal-Mart stores and other
convenience, hardware and home, hearth and patio stores from October
2003 to September 1, 2004.
Manufactured in: China
Remedy: Free replacement multi-purpose lighter when consumer sends to
the company the black adjuster knob from the bottom of the lighter.
Consumer Contact: Consumers should visit www.zippomplrecall.com or call
Zippo toll-free at (888) 670-2940 between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. ET Monday
through Friday to get the address to which the black adjuster knob must
be sent.
Return Procedures: Consumers who own the Zippo MPL (Multi-Purpose
Lighter) with date codes G03, H03, I03, ZH03 should immediately stop
using this product and remove the black adjuster knob with the date
code. Pull the knob straight downward with your fingers or use pliers to
remove the knob. Keep the knob to be returned to Zippo Manufacturing
Company. Consumers should dispose of the lighter in a manner that is in
compliance with state or local requirements. Do not incinerate or
puncture the lighter. Do not return this lighter to the store where
purchased or to Zippo.