Lantec, Inc. Recalls Eco-Lite Charcoal Starter

WASHINGTON, DC - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), LanTec, Inc., Litchfield, MN is voluntarily recalling approximately 100,000 bottles of Eco-Lite Charcoal Starter, 32 fl. oz. size. The product is much more flammable than ordinary charcoal lighter fluid and, if used or handled improperly around an ignition source, can be dangerous.

Eco-Lite Charcoal Starter is an alcohol-based product that burns faster than other charcoal lighter fluids which are petroleum-based. The product may flash back to the bottle and explode if it is sprayed over hot charcoal. Initial complaints concerning this product were received on the CPSC's telephone hotline. The CPSC has learned of five reports of the bottles exploding in consumers' hands when this charcoal lighter fluid was sprayed on hot charcoal. Four of these explosions involved serious injuries, including hospitalizations for burns to the face, arms and hand, requiring skin grafts.

The reason for the problem is that Eco-Lite is made of alcohol and has a low flash point. The other more familiar charcoal lighter fluids are made of petroleum products and have higher flash points.

Eco-Lite Charcoal Starter is packaged in 32 fl. oz. white, plastic bottles with black and orange labeling and an orange cap. It has been distributed nationwide since 1987.

Consumers are urged not to use the Eco-Lite Charcoal Starter. Since the product is biodegradable and environmentally safe, consumers can pour the content into a sink making sure to run cold water and keeping the product away from a spark source. Either return the rinsed empty bottle to the store where purchased or cut the UPC symbol off the back of the bottle and return UPC to the store for a refund. Consumers with questions about the recall may contact LanTec, Inc. at 612-693-2477, or write to the company at Box 1041, Litchfield, MN 55355.

The CPSC's mission is to protect the public from unreasonable risks of injury and death associated with consumer products. The CPSC is the Federal agency responsible for consumer product safety. Some 15,000 different kinds of consumer products fall within the Commission's jurisdiction and each year those products are involved in an estimated 29 million injuries and 22,000 deaths.