The Recall Desk
ModerateCPSC·01071a·Announced 2001-01-23

Tanglefoot Tree Wound and Grafting Compound Recalled Due to Pressure Buildup

The Tanglefoot Co. is recalling about 35,000 cans of Tree Wound and Grafting Compound because pressure can build inside the can and forcibly discharge the compound, causing temporary skin irritation.

What this means for you

Minor labeling or packaging issue, or a voluntary precautionary recall. Risk of harm is low but real — follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a risk of harm (skin irritation from discharge) where no injuries have been reported, fitting the criteria for a moderate severity recall involving low-risk contamination or minor labeling/packaging issues that pose a limited hazard.

Plain-English summary

The Tanglefoot Co. of Grand Rapids, Michigan, is recalling about 35,000 cans of Tanglefoot Tree Wound and Grafting Compound. The product is used to seal pruning cuts and other tree wounds and is sold in pint, quart, and gallon cans. The recalled cans were filled between November 11, 1996, and May 5, 1999. A five-digit date stamped on the back of the can's label indicates the fill date, written in year, month, day format (e.g., "81127" means November 27, 1998).

The recall is due to a hazard where pressure can build inside the can and forcibly discharge the compound. This discharge can cause temporary skin irritation. The company has received 34 reports of containers discharging their contents, but no injuries have been reported.

The compound was sold at hardware stores and nurseries nationwide from November 1996 through August 1999 for between $5 and $18, depending on the size of the can. Consumers should return the product to the store where purchased for a replacement. For more information, call The Tanglefoot Company toll-free at (800) 215-0938 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CDT Monday through Friday or email [email protected].

The recalled product

Product
Tanglefoot Tree Wound and Grafting Compound
Affected units
35,000

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.