June 23, 1998

Rite Aid Corp. Announces Recall of Butane Gas Lighters

Rite Aid Corp., of Camp Hill, Pa., is recalling about 225,000 multi-purpose, refillable, butane gas lighters. These lighters have on/off switches that could be defective, allowing them to be ignited in the off position, and can stay lit after the ignition switch is released, possibly causing burns and unintentional fires.

The recalled butane lighter, item number 4731589-V111, is approximately 11 inches long, has a black plastic base with red plastic trim and a metal igniter shaft. Writing on the lighter's side reads, "MADE IN CHINA." A red sticker on the lighter reads, "SUPER." The item number is written on the bottom of the packaging's cardboard backing. Rite Aid stores nationwide sold the lighters from March 1998 to May 1998 for about $2.

Consumers with a recalled lighter should stop using it immediately and return it to any Rite Aid store for a full refund. For more information about this recall, consumers can call (800) RITE-AID between 8 a.m. and midnight EDT Monday through Friday and between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. EDT on Saturday.