WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced today that Teavana, formerly of Atlanta, Ga., has agreed to pay a $3.75 million civil penalty to the federal government. The penalty settles charges that Teavana knowingly failed to report to CPSC, as required by federal law, that the tumblers contained a defect that could create a substantial product hazard or that the tumblers created an unreasonable risk of serious injury.
After receiving numerous complaints about the tea tumblers unexpectedly exploding, shattering or breaking during normal use, including six reports of injuries to consumers who suffered cuts to their fingers or legs by broken glass or burns from hot liquid, Teavana failed to immediately report the matter to CPSC.
In addition to paying the $3.75 million civil penalty, Teavana has agreed to comply with and maintain the compliance program of its parent company that is designed to ensure compliance with the Consumer Product Safety Act (CPSA) and regulations enforced by the Commission. Teavana has also agreed to comply with and maintain a system of internal controls and procedures to ensure Teavana discloses information to the Commission in accordance with applicable law.
The tumblers were recalled in May 2013, after Teavana had imported about 445,000 tumblers. The tumblers were sold at Teavana stores and online at Teavana.com from August 2007 through May 2013, for about $15 to $33 for the individual tumblers; about $40 for the Flourish Iced Tea Glasses Sets; and about $80 to $100 for the Imperial Blooming Collection Tea Sets.
Teavana does not admit to CPSC staff’s charges.
The penalty agreement has been accepted provisionally by the Commission by a 3 to 2 vote.
CPSC Commissioner’s Statements
About the U.S. CPSC
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risk of injury or death associated with the use of thousands of types of consumer products. Deaths, injuries, and property damage from consumer product-related incidents cost the nation more than $1 trillion annually. CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products has contributed to a decline in the rate of injuries associated with consumer products over the past 50 years.
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