The Recall Desk
Our severity:HighCPSC·03014·Announced 2002-10-16

Target Recalls Decorative Jack-O-Lanterns Due to Fire and Burn Hazards

Target is recalling approximately 26,000 decorative ceramic Jack-O-Lanterns because the straw ribbon on the stem can ignite if a candle is placed inside, posing fire and burn risks.

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 3/5 (High).

Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a risk-of-harm product (fire and burn hazards) where injury has not yet been reported, which aligns with the 'High' severity criteria in the rubric.

Plain-English summary

Target Corporation is recalling approximately 26,000 decorative ceramic Jack-O-Lanterns sold nationwide from September 2000 through October 2002. The recalled items are tan-colored pumpkins, five inches tall, six inches wide, and three inches deep, featuring an opening in the back and a straw ribbon attached to the stem. A label on the stem reads "OCTOBER HARVEST." The products were sold for about $5.

The recall was issued because 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 have been reported.

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, consumers can call Target at (800) 440-0680 anytime or visit www.target.com.

The recalled product

Product
Decorative Jack-O-Lanterns
Category
Consumer Product — Home Decor
Hazard
Affected units
26,000

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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