Michaels Stores Recalls Seasonal Writing Pens Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard

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: Flower Writers; Christmas Writers; Easter Writers; and Spooky Writers Seasonal Writing Pens

Units: About 310,000

Distributor: Michaels Stores Inc., of Irving, Texas

Hazard: The seasonal writing pens' surface coating contains high levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: The recalled pens were sold individually as one of four-series pens including Flower Writer; Christmas Writer; Easter Writer and Spooky Writer. Each pen has themed decorations including flowers, Christmas, Easter and Halloween ornamentation.

Sold exclusively at: Michaels retail stores nationwide from August 2007 through March 2008 for about $1.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the recalled pens immediately and return them to any Michaels store to receive a refund.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Michaels’ customer service at (800) 642-4235/(800) MICHAELS between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.michaels.com