FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
September 19, 2000 |
CPSC Contact: Ken Giles |
|
(301) 504-7052 |
| BIC Media Contact: Linda K. Kwong |
| (203)783-2049 |
|
CPSC, BIC Clarify Recall
***MEDIA ADVISORY***
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC),
in cooperation with BIC Corporation of Milford, Conn., clarified that
the recall of cigarette lighters without child-resistant technology
announced on September 14 does not include lighters sold by BIC
Corporation in the United States. The "BIC" brand lighters were
illegally brought into the U.S. by Vaid Enterprises, a New Jersey
importer. They were not imported or sold by BIC Corporation. The
Customs Service discovered this illegal activity and brought it to the
attention of CPSC.
"We want to clarify that the recall involves only BIC lighters
illegally imported into the U.S. by Vaid Enterprises," said Russ Rader,
Director, Office of Public Affairs of the CPSC. "The recall does not
involve lighters sold in the U.S. by BIC. In the United States, BIC
sells only lighters with a child-resistant mechanism."
BIC Corporation is taking legal action against Vaid Enterprises
for the illegal importation of these lighters. Fortunately, no injuries
have been reported. The recalled lighters are not equipped with the
metal shield over the sparkwheel, whereas the child-resistant lighters
have that shield.
Not Recalled
Recalled
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