CPSC Recall in 1982: Fuel Cups On Party Fondue Sets Recalled

Updated on January 18, 2026.

See the recall details below. You can also see similar information for other consumer product recalls in 1982.

Data Source: CPSC.

Recall Number: 82-025

Date: May 31, 1982

Product Name: Party Fondue Set

Recall Description:

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in cooperation with Gimbel Brothers, Inc., New York, New York, is voluntarily recalling approximately 3,046 Party Fondue Sets sold in Gimbels stores in New York City, Milwaukee, Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, due to a fuel leak at the seam of the alcohol-burning fuel cup. If the fuel cup is filled above the level of the seam joining the upper and lower parts of the cup, the alcohol fuel may leak out and cause a flash fire when the heating element is ignited by a user. Gimbel Brothers has received one complaint of burn injuries sustained by a person attempting to extinguish a flash fire in October, 1980. The recall covers only fondue sets sold by Gimbels stores in packaging labeled "Party Fondue Set." There is no further identification on the units or on the packaging. Owners are urged not to use them until they have obtained a replacement fuel cup. The Party Fondue Sets which were made in Japan were distributed from June 1978 through October 1, 1980 in New York City, Milwaukee, and Pittsburgh by Gimbel Brothers, Inc., for retail prices ranging from $15.99 to $19.99. Gimbel Brothers discontinued importation and removed all units from sale in October, 1980. Consumers who own one of these fondue sets may exchange the alcohol burning pot for a solid Sterno burning pot or receive a refund in the departments where purchased in any of the Gimbel stores.  

Hazard Description:

If the fuel cup is filled above the level of the seam joining the upper and lower parts of the cup, the alcohol fuel may leak out and cause a flash fire when the heating element is ignited by a user.

Consumer Action:

Remedy Type:

Refund, Replace

Units: Approximately 3,046

Incidents:

Gimbel Brothers has received one complaint of burn injuries sustained by a person attempting to extinguish a flash fire in October, 1980.

Sold At:

The recall covers only fondue sets sold by Gimbels stores in packaging labeled "Party Fondue Set." The Party Fondue Sets which were made in Japan were distributed from June, 1978 through October 1, 1980 in New York City, Milwaukee, and Pittsburgh, by Gimbel Brothers, Inc., for retail prices ranging from $15.99 to $19.99.

Manufactured In:

Japan