CPSC Recall in 2002: CPSC, Target Corp. Announce Recall of Decorative Jack-O-Lanterns

Updated on January 18, 2026.

See the recall details below. You can also see similar information for other consumer product recalls in 2002.

Data Source: CPSC.
Recall Number: 03-014
Date: October 15, 2002
Product Name: Decorative Jack-O-Lanterns
Recall Description:

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Target Corp., of Minneapolis, Minn., is voluntarily recalling about 26,000 ceramic Jack-O-Lanterns. The flame of a candle placed inside the Jack-O-Lantern could ignite the straw ribbon on the outside, posing fire and burn hazards to consumers. Target has received two reports of candles causing smoke and heat at the top of the Jack-O-Lantern, though no injuries or property damage has been reported. The recalled ceramic Jack-O-Lanterns are shaped like a pumpkin and are five inches tall, six inches wide, and three inches deep. The tan colored pumpkins have an opening in the back and a straw ribbon attached to the stem of the Jack-O-Lantern. A label attached to the stem of the pumpkin reads, "OCTOBER HARVEST." The Jack-O-Lanterns were manufactured in China. Target stores nationwide sold the Jack-O-Lanterns from September 2000 through October 2002 for about $5.Consumers should immediately stop using the Jack-O-Lanterns and return them to the Target store where purchased for a full refund. For more information, call Target at (800) 440-0680 anytime or log on to the company's website at www.target.com.

Hazard Description:

The flame of a candle placed inside the Jack-O-Lantern could ignite the straw ribbon on the outside, posing fire and burn hazards to consumers.

Consumer Action:

Remedy Type:

Refund

Units: About 26,000
Incidents:

Target has received two reports of candles causing smoke and heat at the top of the Jack-O-Lantern, though no injuries or property damage has been reported.

Sold At:

Target stores nationwide sold the Jack-O-Lanterns from September 2000 through October 2002 for about $5.

Manufactured In: