News Release

1996-06
January 24, 1996

Health Canada warns Canadians not to use C-LITES and LIBERTY LITES lighters

OTTAWA - The New York Lighter Company, Inc., in cooperation with Health Canada, is voluntarily recalling approximately three million C-Lites® child-resistant disposable lighters shipped to distributors in Canada since April 1995. A second brand of lighters destined for the US market and bearing the brand name Liberty Lites® may have found its way onto the Canadian market.

A number of both lighters tested exhibited sudden increases in flame height and failed to meet other requirements of the Hazardous Products (Lighters) Regulations. No injuries have been reported to Health Canada.

The brand name "C-LITES" or "Liberty Lites" is stamped on one side of the metal shield of these lighters, and the word "SNAPLOC" is stamped on the other side of the metal shield. The New York Lighter Company has contacted all of its distributors in Canada instructing them to immediately stop the sale of C-Lites lighters and to return existing stocks. The company is working with its supplier in China and with Health Canada to ensure that all future shipments of this product to Canada will comply with all applicable Canadian regulations.

Consumers already in possession of C-Lites or Liberty Lites lighters should dispose of them immediately in accordance with local laws.

Parents are reminded not to tamper with lighter child- resistant mechanisms. Child-resistant does not mean child-proof. To avoid a tragedy, lighters and matches must be kept out of sight and out of reach of young children.

For more information, consumers should contact: The New York Lighter Company's toll free number: 1-800-248-9548; or the nearest regional Product Safety office of Health Canada.

Vancouver (604) 666-5003
Hamilton (905) 572-2845
Edmonton (403) 495-2480
Montreal (514) 646-1353
Calgary (403) 292-5613
Quebec (418) 648-4327
Saskatoon (306) 975-4028
Moncton (506) 851-6638
Winnipeg (204) 983-2846
Dartmouth (902) 426-8300
Toronto (416) 973-4705
St.John's (709) 772-5536

Information:
Debbie Paine
Health Canada
(416) 973-4183

The New York Lighter Company, Inc.
1-800-248-9548


	Last Updated: 1996-01-24		Important Notices