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UL warns consumers about portable lamps with counterfeit UL labels sold at Big Lots stores

NORTHBROOK, Ill., USA, Jan. 7, 2004 -- Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL) is notifying consumers that certain portable lamps manufactured in China, exported by Four Star (Group) International in Taiwan, and sold at Big Lots stores throughout the United States bear counterfeit UL labels. These lamps do not meet the UL Standard for Safety and may pose shock hazards.

Description of product: Ceramic ginger jar, Victorian-style and Tiffany styled lamps.

Problem: The lamps bear counterfeit UL holographic labels, do not meet the UL Standard for Safety and may pose shock hazards.

Identification: On the product: The counterfeit labels on the lamps have markings consisting of a "04/01" date code, "E209428," and "Issue No. __" with numbers ranging from BJ-37094 through BJ-37097.

On the packaging: Boxes may be marked, "Victorian Treasures," "Accent Lamp," or "Elegant Interiors." Prices range from $8 to $20.

On the instructions: Some lamps may contain assembly instructions that indicate customer service support by Four Star (Group) International of Milford, Mass.

Sold at: Various Big Lots locations including New York, Tennessee, Pennsylvania, Florida, Oregon, South Carolina and California.

What you should do: UL encourages consumers to discontinue use of the product and return it to the place of purchase for a refund.

Consumer contact: Big Lots, +1-614-278-6672, 300 Phillippi Road, Columbus, OH 43228-5311. To verify if your lamp, purchased at Big Lots, is part of the UL warning, contact UL at +1-877-UL-HELPS (854-3577).

Images of the four lamps bearing counterfeit UL Marks.

Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL) is an independent, not-for-profit organization that has evaluated products, materials and systems in the interest of public safety for 109 years. More than 17 billion UL Marks appear on products each year, and more than 18,000 types of products are tested at UL's five U.S. laboratories. Worldwide, the UL family of companies and its network of service providers include more than 47 laboratory, testing and certification facilities.

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