The Recall Desk
Our severity:SevereCPSC·97182·Announced 1997-09-03

Vesture Recalls Lava Java Microwaveable Mugs Due to Fire and Burn Hazards

Vesture Corp. is recalling about 44,000 Lava Java microwaveable mugs because they can ignite or split open, posing fire and burn risks.

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 second-degree burns, and fire hazards, which aligns with the rubric criteria for a Severe (4) rating involving significant injury reports.

Plain-English summary

Vesture Corp. of Asheboro, N.C., is recalling approximately 44,000 microwaveable beverage mugs sold under the name Lava Java in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The mugs, which hold 14 ounces and are made of hard plastic, were sold in gray, green, or burgundy colors with black bases and tops. The "Lava Java" name is imprinted on the mug, and "MICROCORETM" is imprinted on the top of the straight-shaped handle.

The recall is due to a hazard where the mugs can ignite when heated in a microwave, posing a fire risk. Additionally, the hard plastic shell can split open, discharging hot thermal material that poses a risk of burn injuries. Vesture Corp. is aware of 14 reports of mugs catching fire or discharging thermal material. Four consumers reported being burned, two of whom sustained second-degree burns. Reported damage from fires was limited to the mugs or microwave ovens.

The mugs were sold at retail stores such as Walmart and Stein Mart, as well as Veterans' Canteens in Veterans Administration Medical Centers nationwide, from July 1996 through January 1997 for about $10. Consumers should stop using the mugs immediately and return them to the store of purchase for a full refund. Alternatively, consumers can call Vesture Corp. at (800) 283-7887 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. EDT, Monday through Friday, to receive a postage-paid return envelope and a refund by mail. Other Lava Java mugs with curved-shaped handles that do not have "MICROCORETM" imprinted on them are not included in this recall.

The recalled product

Product
Lava Java Microcore microwaveable beverage mugs
Manufacturer
Wal-Mart
Category
Consumer Product — Kitchenware
Hazard

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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