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CPSC Warns About Possible Anthrax Contamination In Imported Yarn

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Recall Date:
February 06, 1976

Recall Details

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

February 6, 1976

 

Release # 76-009


WASHINGTON, D.C. (Feb. 6) -- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in cooperation with Tahki Imports, Ltd., today warned consumers that they have found balls of yarn containing animal wool or hair that may be contaminated with anthrax spores.

The yarn, imported from Pakistan and distributed nationwide, utilizes animal and a combination of animal and synthetic materials and retails for between $4 and $7 per ball, and has been imported by Tahki Imports, Ltd., Teaneck, New Jersey, from Safraz Brothers, Lahore, Pakistan. The types of yarn include: 100% camel hair, white goats hair/ camel hair, gray goats hair/camel hair, black goats hair/camel hair, 2-ply wool, goats hair/wool, and rayon/wool. The contaminated balls have a label which says "Tahki Imports, Ltd., imported from Pakistan."

According to Commission investigators, the contaminated yarn appeared to have been offered for sale through many retail outlets over the last year.

Consumers who own this yarn should seal the yarn or products made from it in an airtight double plastic bag and call a local or state health department for disposal instructions. Consumers should not attempt to sterilize the yarn, incinerate it, or throw it away because of the risk of further contamination.

Anthrax is an acute bacterial disease which can be fatal for humans if untreated. It can be transmitted from a product bearing the anthrax spores mainly through skin contact and in rare circumstances through inhalation. Anthrax infection is-not contagious from one person to another.

While risk of dangerous human infection is low, the disease can be quite serious. The disease may start with a blister and can develop into a depressed area of dead tissue with a dark crust. Fever and other symptoms may not appear until the disease is severe.

This warning is being issued in the interest of the public health and safety and in conjunction with the Center for Disease Control, Atlanta, Georgia.

The Commission is continuing its investigations to determine whether the contaminated yarn has been sold to other importers. For further information contact the Consumer Product Safety Commission toll-free hotline at 800/638-2772.

Note: Individual Commissioners may have statements related to this topic. Please visit www.cpsc.gov/commissioners to search for statements related to this or other topics.

If you are experiencing issues with a recall remedy or believe a company is being non-responsive to your remedy request, please use this form and explain the situation to CPSC.
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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