Creative Handweavers wool yarn recalled due to possible anthrax contamination

Plain-English summary

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Creative Handweavers, Inc. have issued a warning regarding skeins of hand-spun wool yarn imported from Pakistan. The yarn, which includes various goat and camel blends, may be contaminated with anthrax spores. Approximately 15,000 pounds of this product were distributed nationwide through retail outlets and mail order over the past year.

The Commission learned of the potential contamination following the death of a 31-year-old weaver in Morro Bay, California, in late January 1976. Investigators found yarn obtained from Creative Handweavers in the deceased's home. Anthrax is an acute bacterial disease that can be fatal if untreated and is primarily transmitted through skin contact or, rarely, inhalation. The CPSC notes that while the risk of dangerous human infection is low, the disease can be serious.

Consumers who own this yarn should not attempt to sterilize, incinerate, or discard it, as this poses a risk of further contamination. Instead, consumers should seal the yarn or any products made from it in an airtight double plastic bag and contact a local or state health department for disposal instructions. The CPSC is continuing its investigation to determine if the contaminated yarn was sold to other importers.

The recalled product

Product

Creative Handweavers wool yarn

Manufacturer

Creative Handweavers

Category

Consumer Product — Arts & Crafts

Hazard

• anthrax
• poisoning

Distribution

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