The Recall Desk
Our severity:SevereCPSC·91061·Announced 1991-04-24

Lantec Recalls Eco-Lite Charcoal Starter Due to Explosion Risk

Lantec, Inc. is recalling approximately 100,000 bottles of Eco-Lite Charcoal Starter because the alcohol-based product can flash back and explode when sprayed on hot charcoal.

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 4/5 (Severe).

The hazard poses a serious risk of illness, injury, or structural failure. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves significant injury reports, specifically hospitalizations for burns requiring skin grafts, which meets the criteria for a Severe rating under the rubric.

Plain-English summary

Lantec, Inc. is voluntarily recalling approximately 100,000 bottles of Eco-Lite Charcoal Starter, 32 fl. oz. size, in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The product is an alcohol-based charcoal lighter fluid that is much more flammable than ordinary petroleum-based lighter fluids due to its low flash point.

The recall is being issued because the product may flash back to the bottle and explode if sprayed over hot charcoal. The CPSC has received five reports of bottles exploding in consumers' hands, four of which resulted in serious injuries, including hospitalizations for burns to the face, arms, and hands requiring skin grafts. The product was distributed nationwide since 1987.

Consumers are urged not to use the Eco-Lite Charcoal Starter. Because the product is biodegradable and environmentally safe, consumers can pour the contents into a sink while running cold water, keeping the product away from any spark source. Consumers should return the rinsed empty bottle to the store where purchased or cut the UPC symbol off the back of the bottle and return the UPC to the store for a refund.

The recalled product

Product
Eco-Lite Charcoal Starter
Manufacturer
Eco-Lite
Category
Consumer Product — Charcoal Lighter Fluid
Hazard

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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