Court Orders Ohio Co. to Stop U.S. Sales, Dispose of Banned Fireworks

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Based on evidence of more than 100 violations of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) fireworks requirements, a federal judge has ordered an Ohio company to destroy its supply of banned fireworks after an accounting of the inventory.

Judge James S. Gwin of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio has issued a permanent injunction against Midwest Fireworks Manufacturing Co. Inc., of Deerfield, Ohio, two related companies, and two corporate officers. Judge Gwin ordered Midwest to cease purchasing, receiving, or distributing any fireworks that are banned, hazardous substances under the Federal Hazardous Substances Act, enforced by CPSC. Judge Gwin entered his written order on December 29, 1999. In earlier orders, Judge Gwin barred Midwest from selling the violative fireworks. He issued a temporary restraining order on September 30, 1999, and a preliminary injunction on November 3, 1999.

"Fireworks that fail to meet our requirements are extremely dangerous to unsuspecting consumers, especially children," said CPSC Chairman Ann Brown. "We are gratified that the court has endorsed our strong stand against the sale of these products."

This court order is the result of ongoing fireworks investigations conducted by CPSC across the U.S., and the legal representation of the Office of Consumer Litigation, U.S. Department of Justice.