Screech, Scream, and Sue: Chinese Firework Recalled for Dangerous Noise

They are called Black Cat Screech and Scream — a firework that is supposed to make a loud noise with s fountain of fireworks. I almost bought a couple this weekend with a purchase of a huge amount of ordinance for the Fourth of July. What I did not know was that they had been recalled the day before –July 3, 2008. Since the government waited until the day before July 4th, they were still be sold across the country.

I must confess that I am a tab suspicious. Why would the Administration issue a recall the day before the holiday when the company was guaranteed to sell most of its product? This is like recalling a chocolate product on the day before Easter.

Here is the announcement:

Black Cat® Fireworks Recalls Fireworks Due to Injury Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Screech and Scream Fountain Fireworks

Units: About 20,000

Distributor: Black Cat Fireworks, of Prairie Village, Kan.

Importer: Shiu Fung Fireworks, of China

Hazard: The firework can produce a loud bang and unexpectedly scatter debris, posing an injury hazard to the user and bystanders.

Incidents/Injuries: No injuries have been reported.

Description: The recalled Screech and Scream Fountain is a firework item with a yellow and red cylinder with red balls. The model name is printed on the front of the tube.

Sold at: Various fireworks stores nationwide from October 2006 through June 2008 for about $7.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the product and return it to either the place of purchase or Black Cat Fireworks for a full refund.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, call Black Cat Fireworks collect at (913) 649-0537 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at http://www.blackcatfireworks.com

For the government site, click here.