Health Canada Warns Canadians to Stop Using "Patio Chef" Refillable Utility Lighters

Warning
2004-40
July 20, 2004
For immediate release

OTTAWA - Health Canada is advising the Canadian public to stop using "Patio Chef" brand refillable utility lighters. The lighters pose potential fire, injury and burn hazards because they may be affected by combustion problems.

In certain instances, the lighters produce a shower of burning fuel which separates from the main flame. Moreover, the flame can increase suddenly to an excessive height of 14 cm (5.5 inches). These lighters can also leak gas when exposed to heat.

The lighter is approximately 27 cm (11 inches) long with a red handle and a shiny metal igniter shaft. The lighter has a black plastic trigger and a black on/off switch which carries a yellow label on the handle that indicates a warning. Printed on the back of the package are the words: "Imported by/Importé par S.R. Potten Ltd., Montreal, Quebec, Canada". The lighters bear identification numbers 014009 and 014010.

From 2002 to 2004, these lighters were sold by retail stores in Canada, including (but not limited to): Zellers, Matco Ravary, Jean Coutu, Hart, Bargain Giant, Fredericton Co-Op and Rona. People who have the Patio Chef refillable utility lighters are advised to stop using them immediately and to dispose of them in accordance with local requirements.

For further information, or to report a lighter-related incident, contact the Health Canada Product Safety Office nearest you:

City, Province	Telephone Number	E-mail Address
Vancouver, British Columbia	(604) 666-5003	Bby_Prodsafe@hc-sc.gc.ca
Edmonton, Alberta	(780) 495-2626	Edm_Prodsafe@hc-sc.gc.ca
Calgary, Alberta	(403) 292-4677	Cal_Prodsafe@hc-sc.gc.ca
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan	(306) 975-4502	Sk_Prodsafe@hc-sc.gc.ca
Winnipeg, Manitoba	(204) 983-5490	Mb_Prodsafe@hc-sc.gc.ca
Hamilton, Ontario	(905) 572-2845	Tor_Prodsafe@hc-sc.gc.ca
Toronto, Ontario	(416) 973-4705	Tor_Prodsafe@hc-sc.gc.ca
Montreal, Quebec	(514) 283-5488	Quebec_Prod@hc-sc.gc.ca
Longueuil, Quebec	(450) 646-1353	Quebec_Prod@hc-sc.gc.ca
Quebec, Quebec	(418) 648-4327	Quebec_Prod@hc-sc.gc.ca
Moncton, New Brunswick	(506) 851-6638	Atlantic_ProdSafe@hc-sc.gc.ca
Halifax, Nova Scotia	(902) 426-8300	Atlantic_ProdSafe@hc-sc.gc.ca
St. John's, Newfoundland	(709) 772-4050	Atlantic_ProdSafe@hc-sc.gc.ca

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Photographs of product

Media Inquiries:
Margot Geduld/Carole Saindon
Health Canada
(613) 957-1588

Public Inquiries:
(613) 957-2991