Candles sold at Trader Joe’s in June were recalled this week because they pose a risk of injury, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. So far, there have been two reports of minor burns.
An estimated 653,000 Mango Tangerine Scented Candles that were for sale at the grocery stores located throughout the U.S. for $4 each are included in the recall. When lit, the candles’ flames can spread to the wax and cause a larger than expected flame.
“The light and heat from a candle comes from the wax burning,” explained Randall Munroe in the answer to a 2021 science question posed to The New York Times. “When you light the wick, the flame causes some of the wax to melt, flow up the wick and evaporate, and then the wax vapor burns.
The wick, which is made of cotton, also burns, although it’s the wax that contributes most of the heat. The puddles you sometimes see around the base are from wax that spilled and dripped down without burning.”
As of Thursday, there 14 reports of high flames associated with Mango Tangerine Scented Candles from Trader Joe’s. In addition to the two reported burns, there were also three reports of property damage.
Recalled items are 5.7-ounce tins filled with white wax and a cotton wick. They should have SKU number 56879 located on the bottom of the tin container.
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, “consumers should immediately stop using,” the candles and to return them to Trader Joe’s for a full cash refund. Product Feedback Forms are available online here to receive Trader Joe’s gift cards by mail.
“Consumers will receive a response from Customer Relations requesting a receipt or a photo of the candle,” said the commission.