Fire Risk Prompts Trader Joe’s to Recall Scented Candles

A Trader Joes location in Long Beach, Calif., on July 19, 2021. John Fredricks/The Epoch Times

Retail chain Trader Joe’s is recalling one of its popular candle products following concerns of fire risk, with the outlet offering a full refund on returns.

“Trader Joe’s Mango Tangerine Scented Candle (SKU# 56879) may have an unexpected burn pattern. The candle flame can spread from the wick to the wax causing a larger than expected flame, posing a safety risk,” the company said in a June 28 recall notice. “If you purchased the Mango Tangerine Scented Candle, please do not use it. We urge you to discard the product or return it to any Trader Joe’s for a full refund.”

The recalled candle is made with a coconut-soy wax blend mixed with a sweet fragrance. An image of the product has been published together with the recall notice. The item is still featured on the company website at $3.99 per unit.

People with questions about the item can call Trader Joe’s Customer Relations at [phone].

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), candles were the cause of four percent of reported home fires between 2018 and 2022. They were responsible for six percent of injuries in home fires, four percent of property damage, and three percent of deaths.

Fire departments respond to an average of 5,910 home fires triggered by candles annually, which caused 74 deaths, 558 injuries, and $257 million in property damages per year on average.

Half of all candle fires began after flammable décor like curtains, furniture, bedding, mattresses, or clothing was positioned too close to the lighted candle. More than a third of candle fires began in the bedroom.

Last year, a baby boy from Georgia got burned after he approached a lit candle. The boy had a topical ointment on his skin for coughs and colds. He caught fire when he approached the candle. The child was rushed to the local emergency room where he went into a coma for a month but eventually recovered.

In another incident, a 6-year-old girl suffered burns after a candle fell on a sofa in 2018. The child suffered burns on 68 percent of her body and was hospitalized for four months. The girl underwent six surgeries, with her left fingers and toes getting amputated.

Safe Candle Use

The National Candle Association (NCA), a major trade group that represents American candle manufacturers and suppliers, recommends that people use a candle holder when burning candles. The holder should be sturdy, heat resistant, and big enough to contain all the melted wax and drips.

“Avoid drafts, vents, or air currents. This will help prevent rapid or uneven burning, sooting, and excessive dripping,” the NCA said. “In general, it is recommended that candles do not burn for longer than four hours and cool for at least two hours before relighting.”

The organization warned against leaving a candle unattended. A lit candle should not be placed near anything that can catch fire. They should be kept away from things like drapes, carpets, beddings, flammable decorations, and paper, it stated.

If two or more candles are used, they should be spaced apart at least three inches. This is to ensure that the candles do not melt into each other and burn improperly.

The NCA advises people not to use a candle during a power outage to look for stuff in a closet or while fueling equipment like a kerosene heater or lantern.

If the flame becomes too high or keeps flickering repeatedly, the candle should be extinguished, the organization said.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also recommends people avoid using candles when faced with disasters.

“Home fires are a threat after a natural disaster and fire trucks may have trouble getting to your home. If the power is out, use flashlights or other battery-powered lights if possible, instead of candles. If you must use them, place candles in safe holders away from anything that could catch fire,” it said.