Winstar International Recalls Christmas Light Sets

NEWS from CPSC

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Office of Information and Public Affairs

Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 13, 2001
Release # 02-065

Winstar Recall Hotline: (718) 768-5172
CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: Yolanda Fultz-Morris, (301) 504-7066

CPSC, Winstar International, Inc. Announce Recall of Christmas Light Sets

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Winstar International Inc., of Brooklyn, N.Y., is voluntarily recalling about 9,000 strings of Christmas lights. These lights have undersized wiring and lack over-current protection. They pose electrocution and electric shock hazards to consumers and also are fire hazards.

CPSC and Winstar are not aware of any injuries or incidents associated with these Christmas lights. This recall is being conducted to prevent injuries.

These are miniature Christmas lights with 100 lights on each string of various colors, including green, blue, red, yellow, purple and clear. The plug has "125V-3A" imprinted on it. There is no other labeling on the string of lights, and no mark of an independent testing laboratory. The packaging is a red box with a photo of a Christmas tree on the right side and a window showing the lights inside. Writing on the box includes, "JUEGO DE LUCES DE NAVIDAD," "100 MINIATURE LIGHTS," "FIVE-WAY FLASHER," "PRE-TESTED," and "ENERGY SAVER."

Discount and dollar stores in New York and New Jersey sold these Christmas lights from October 2000 through November 2001 for about $1.

Consumers should stop using the Christmas lights immediately and return them to the store where purchased for a refund. For more information, consumers should contact Winstar International Inc. collect at (718) 768-5172 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.