Trader Joe’s issues nationwide recall

A Trader Joe’s store in Riverside, CA, November 30, 2006. Trader Joe’s is a chain of grocery stores that will be affected by Tesco’s move into the United States. Cheshunt, England-based Tesco Plc plans to create a U.S. convenience store brand, taking on chains such as 7-Eleven Inc. and locally run grocers for the money spent by Southern California’s time-pressed shoppers. (Photo by Francis Specker/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

If you bought a Trader Joe’s Mango Tangerine Scented Candle, don’t light it, the popular grocer warns. TJ’s issued a recall Thursday, stating that the product has an “unexpected burn pattern.”

According to a Trader Joe’s news release, the candles can be dangerous for customers as the flame can spread from the wick to the wax, causing a “larger than expected flame.”

Anyone who bought one of the candles is urged to throw it away or return it to any Trader Joe’s store for a refund.

Customers seeking more information on the recall can call Trader Joe’s Customer Relations at (626) 599-3817 or send an email.

Candles and fire risk in the U.S.

On average, there are 21 house fires sparked by candles every day in the US, with reports peaking in December, according to a 2020 analysis from the National Parks Service.

The NPS said fire departments across the country respond annually to 7,610 candle-related fires in the U.S., which are responsible for 81 deaths and, on average, $278 million worth of property damage.

If you are going to burn candles, experts recommend the following:

• Don’t leave candles burning when you aren’t home or think you may fall asleep
• Keep anything flammable at least 12 inches away from a flame. To be extra cautious, you can place a dinner plate under the candle.
• Consider stocking up on flashlights and batteries instead of candles in case of a power outage.