Trader Joe's recall: Why these seasonal candles pose potential safety risk

Have you recently bought a fruity smelling candle from Trader Joe's? You may want to think twice before lighting it.

Trader Joe's recalled their seasonal Mango Tangerine scented candle late last month due to the possibility of an "unexpected burn pattern." The candle's flame can spread from the wick to wax, causing a larger than expected flame and posing a safety risk, the company said in a news release on June 27.

Now listed as not available on Trader Joe's website, the 5.7 oz candle said to convince you "you’re relaxing in paradise, enjoying a citrusy summer breeze" was being sold for $3.99. Amazon also sold a two-pack of the specialty candles for a significantly higher price of $22.09, but have since been removed from the website.

There are 34 Trader Joe's locations in New York — one in the Rochester area and four in the lower Hudson Valley area.

What to do if you've purchased the recalled candle

Trader Joe's says not to use the candle and to either throw it away or return it to the store for a full refund.

If you have any questions, contact Trader Joe's Customer Relations by calling 626-599-3817 or send them a message by filling out a form at traderjoes.com/home/contact-us/product-feedback.

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How to safely burn candles in your home

Between 2018 and 2022, the National Fire Protection Association says U.S. fire departments responded to an annual estimated average of 5,910 home structure fires started by candles, resulting in an annual average of 74 deaths, 558 injuries and $257 million in property damage.

Here are some tips from the National Candle Association on how to safely burn a candle in your home.

Before lighting

• Trim the wick to 1/4 inch.
• Keep the wax pool clear of wick trimmings, matches and debris at all times.
• Always use a candleholder specifically designed for candle use.
• Burn candles in a well-ventilated room, avoiding drafts, vents or air currents.
• Do not burn a candle for longer than four hours and cool it for at least two hours before relighting.
• Use long matches or a long-reach lighter and keep your hair and loose clothing away from the flame when lighting.

While burning

• Never leave a candle unattended.
• Never burn a candle on or near anything that can catch fire.
• Keep candles out of reach of children and pets.
• Never touch or move a candle while it's burning or the wax is liquefied.
• Don't burn a candle all the way down.
• Place burning candles at least three inches apart from eachother.
• Extinguish the candle if the flame becomes too high or flickers repeatedly.
• Never use a candle as a night light or while you may fall asleep.

When extinguishing

• Use a candle snuffer.
• Never use water.
• Make sure the candle is completely out and the wick ember is no longer glowing before you leave the room.
• Never use a knife or sharp object to remove wax drippings from a glass candle holder as it may scratch, weaken or cause the glass to break upon subsequent use.

Emily Barnes is the New York State Team consumer advocate reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Contact Barnes at ebarnes@gannett.com or on Twitter @byemilybarnes.