Company To Recall Carpets That Failed Flammability Tests

WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 5) -- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission today informed consumers that three styles of nylon pile carpeting made by Apollo Carpets, Inc., Route 2, Dalton, Georgia, and sold to consumers prior to April 1972 failed to meet mandatory flammability requirements.

The three styles, sold by retail stores primarily in the south central and south eastern United States, were "Uranius," "Moonwalk," and "Mars." The carpets were of various colors and came in 12 foot wide rolls that could be cut to different lengths.

The Commission provisionally accepted a consent order signed by the company and by Billy R. Cox, a principal officer of the company. The company has agreed to inform known purchasers and to institute a second recall of the non-complying carpet.

The firm stopped sales of these carpets in April 1972 when notified by the Federal Trade Commission that they failed flammability requirements. In August 1972, Apollo initiated a recall and 4,500 square yards out of a total of 53,000 square yards sold were returned.

Consumers who bought this carpeting should return it to the store where it was purchased or to the manufacturer.

A consent agreement is a legal document in which the company involved usually agrees to stop manufacturing or selling non-complying goods, notify known purchasers and initiate a recall. The action on the part of the company is voluntary, and the company does not admit guilt in agreeing to the terms.

The company also agrees not to violate flammability standards in the future.

A violation of this consent agreement could result in a civil penalty of up to $5,000 per violation.

The complaint and consent order will remain on the public record through May 5, 1975, during which time any interested person may submit comments to the Office of the Secretary, Consumer Product Safety Commission, 1750 K Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20207.

After considering any comments, the Commission may finally accept the agreement or withdraw its provisional acceptance.

For additional information about this consent order, contact the Bureau of Compliance, Consumer Product Safety Commission, 5401 Westbard Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland 20207 This announcement is being made in the public interest.