Calico Brands Recalls Scripto Premium Torches Due to Risk of Injury or Death from Fires and Burns; Violates Mandatory Standard for Multipurpose Lighters

What was recalled

On October 9, 2025, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced a significant recall involving the Scripto® Premium Torch, a popular handheld ignition device manufactured by Calico Brands. This specific product line has been identified as non-compliant with federal safety regulations, prompting an immediate withdrawal from the market to protect consumers from serious harm. The recall targets units of the Scripto® Premium Torch that feature a distinctive design: a four-position adjustable metal nozzle, an adjustable flame mechanism, and a hands-free operation lock. Visually, these torches are characterized by a black ergonomic non-slip rubber grip designed for comfortable handling, along with a sturdy metal base covered in black velvet on the bottom to prevent sliding during use.

To help you verify whether your device is part of this recall, it is crucial to check the packaging carefully. The official record specifies that the recalled units bear the Universal Product Code (UPC) number "0-70257-52226-6" printed on the back of the product box. This UPC serves as the definitive identifier for the affected inventory. If you do not have the original box, you may still identify the model by its physical description and by contacting Calico Brands directly with your device’s details, though the UPC remains the most reliable method of confirmation provided in this notice.

While the recall announcement does not specify the exact number of units sold or the precise retailers where they were available, it is important to note that these torches were distributed widely enough to warrant a mandatory safety standard violation. The absence of reported incidents at the time of the recall does not diminish the severity of the issue; rather, it highlights the proactive nature of this safety measure. The primary concern is that these lighters fail to meet the mandatory safety requirements for multipurpose lighters, which are designed to prevent accidental ignition and reduce the risk of fire. Consumers who purchased these torches at any point prior to October 9, 2025, should treat them as potentially hazardous until properly disposed of or returned.

If you own a Scripto® Premium Torch matching this description, do not assume it is safe based on past performance. The violation of the mandatory safety standard indicates a fundamental design flaw that could lead to uncontrolled flames. Take a moment now to locate your product box and check for the specified UPC number. If you find it, or if you are uncertain about your model, consider this recall as an urgent call to action. Your safety is paramount, and identifying the correct product is the first step toward resolving the issue through the provided remedy options.

The hazard, explained

At the heart of this recall is a fundamental failure in safety engineering: the Scripto® Premium Torch does not meet the mandatory federal standards designed to prevent multipurpose lighters from igniting unintentionally. To understand why this matters, it helps to look at how these devices are supposed to work versus how they are failing here. Multipurpose torch lighters are engineered with specific physical barriers—such as child-resistant mechanisms, deliberate trigger pressure requirements, and safety locks—to ensure that a flame only appears when the user intentionally activates them. The mandatory safety standard exists to guarantee that these lighters cannot be triggered by accidental drops, bumps, or simple handling errors.

In this case, the recalled units violate those requirements. While the product features an adjustable metal nozzle and a hands-free operation lock, the underlying mechanism is flawed enough that it can ignite without direct, intentional user input. This means that if you place the lighter in a pocket, drop it into a bag among other keys or tools, or simply set it down on a stable surface, the internal mechanism may engage unexpectedly. Unlike standard utility lighters that require significant force to spark, these defective torches can ignite with minimal pressure, turning a routine moment of storage or placement into a potential emergency.

The physical consequence of this malfunction is immediate and severe. When the torch ignites unintentionally, it produces a high-temperature, focused flame capable of reaching temperatures well over 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. This intense heat does not just create a nuisance; it causes rapid ignition of nearby combustible materials. Because the device is often found in kitchens, workshops, or near curtains and upholstery, an accidental spark can quickly lead to a structural fire. The primary risks are severe burns to anyone holding or touching the device at the moment of unintended ignition, and the subsequent risk of property damage or fatality from fires that spread rapidly before they can be detected.

It is important to note that while no incidents have been reported to the CPSC as of the recall date, the potential for harm is inherent in the design flaw itself. The absence of reported injuries does not diminish the severity of the hazard; rather, it highlights the importance of proactive prevention. These lighters are designed for precision tasks like culinary searing or welding, where the flame is directed and controlled. When that control is lost due to a mechanical failure, the device becomes an uncontrolled heat source. The combination of a high-output flame and a mechanism that lacks adequate fail-safes creates a scenario where a single moment of carelessness can result in catastrophic injury or death. This is why the CPSC has deemed this violation serious enough to warrant an immediate recall, emphasizing that the risk is not theoretical but physically inevitable under certain common usage conditions.

Who is most at risk

The Scripto® Premium Torch is designed as a multipurpose utility tool, typically found in households that engage in DIY projects, crafting, or routine maintenance tasks. While the product itself is engineered for durability and precise flame control, the nature of its use means it is handled by a wide variety of individuals. However, not everyone who owns or uses this device faces the same level of danger. The recall issued by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) highlights a fundamental safety failure: the torch violates mandatory standards for multipurpose lighters. This violation creates a risk profile that extends far beyond simple accidents to include severe, potentially fatal outcomes for specific groups who may be less equipped to manage the sudden onset of fire or intense heat.

Certainly, anyone using the torch is at risk because the core hazard is a failure of the ignition or flame containment system. However, children and young adults represent a particularly vulnerable demographic in this context. The described design features—a black ergonomic non-slip rubber grip and a metal base with velvet padding—are intended to make the tool comfortable and stable for adult hands. Yet, these tactile cues can also make the device appealing or accessible to curious children who might mistake it for a toy or an interesting object. If a child gains access to the torch, they may not understand the mechanics of the four-position adjustable nozzle or the hands-free operation lock. More critically, they lack the physical strength and cognitive awareness to react quickly if the flame behaves unpredictably due to the recalled defect. For a child, the distance between a safe moment and a severe burn injury is often measured in seconds, leaving little room for error.

Elderly individuals or those with limited dexterity also face heightened risks. The torch requires manual manipulation of its adjustable components to function correctly. If the internal safety mechanisms are compromised, as suggested by the violation of multipurpose lighter standards, the user must rely entirely on their own motor skills and reaction time to control the flame. For someone with slower reflexes or reduced grip strength, a sudden flare-up or an unexpected ignition could lead to panic rather than precise action. This can result in the torch being dropped, causing the fire to spread to nearby flammable materials such as clothing, curtains, or upholstery, thereby increasing the likelihood of serious burns or property damage.

Furthermore, the risk is amplified for individuals who use these torches in confined spaces or near volatile substances. The “hands-free operation lock” feature, while convenient for steady work, becomes a liability if the flame escapes its intended path. In workshops where solvents, paints, or dust are present, even a small, uncontrolled flame can trigger a larger fire than one might anticipate. Therefore, while the recall affects all owners of the Scripto® Premium Torch with UPC number "0-70257-52226-6", those living with children, caring for elderly relatives, or working in cluttered environments should treat this hazard with the utmost urgency. The absence of reported incidents so far does not diminish the potential severity; it simply means that luck has not yet run out. Immediate action to remove these devices from the home is the only way to ensure that no one falls victim to a preventable tragedy.

How to tell if you have the recalled item

Before you take any action, the most critical step is confirming whether your specific lighter is part of this recall. Because Calico Brands has issued a voluntary recall under the direction of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), it is essential that you do not rely on general descriptions alone. The Scripto® Premium Torches involved in this notice are distinct from other Scripto products or standard multipurpose lighters, and identifying the exact unit requires careful inspection of both the device itself and its original packaging. If you have already thrown away the box, do not worry; the physical characteristics of the torch are designed to be unique enough for identification, but having the box makes the verification process significantly easier and more reliable.

If you still have the original retail packaging, look closely at the back of the box. The recall notice specifies a unique Universal Product Code (UPC) number printed there: "0-70257-52226-6". This alphanumeric string is your primary digital fingerprint for this product. If the UPC matches exactly, you have a recalled item and should proceed with the return instructions immediately. However, if you no longer have the box, or if the code is missing or illegible, you must inspect the torch itself. These devices are not generic; they feature a specific combination of materials and mechanical parts that distinguish them from safe, compliant lighters.

Examine the lighter’s construction for the following specific physical traits. First, look at the nozzle. The recalled units have a four-position adjustable metal nozzle. This means you should be able to click or rotate the top part to change the flame size in four distinct steps. Next, check the grip. The handle is described as having a black ergonomic non-slip rubber grip, which is designed to fit comfortably in your hand but feels distinctly textured and substantial. The base of the torch is also unique: it is made of metal and features a layer of black velvet on the bottom. This velvet pad is intended to protect surfaces from scratches, but in this case, it also serves as a visual identifier. Finally, verify the operational features. The device includes an adjustable flame mechanism and a hands-free operation lock, allowing you to ignite it without holding the trigger down continuously.

While the recall notice does not specify exactly where or when these were sold, nor do they list a specific price point, the combination of the black velvet base, the metal nozzle with four positions, and the black rubber grip is highly characteristic of this particular premium model. If your torch lacks any of these features—for example, if it has a plastic base, a single-position nozzle, or a different color scheme—it is likely not part of this specific recall. However, when safety is involved, if you are unsure, it is always safer to assume it might be the recalled item and contact Calico Brands for clarification rather than risking injury.

What to do — step by step

Your refund, repair, or replacement options

If you own one of the recalled Scripto® Premium Torches, the good news is that Calico Brands has established a straightforward and fully funded remedy to resolve the issue. It is important to understand upfront that there is no repair option available for this product. Because the torches violate mandatory safety standards for multipurpose lighters by posing a risk of deadly fires and burns, they cannot be fixed or modified to meet safety requirements. The only acceptable course of action is to return the item entirely. This means your options are limited to receiving either a full refund of your purchase price or store credit, depending on what you and the retailer prefer.

The process begins with immediate cessation of use. You must stop using the recalled torch right away. Once you have safely set it aside, you have two primary paths to initiate your return. The first and often simplest path is to take the product directly back to the retailer where you originally purchased it. Many major retailers have established protocols for handling safety recalls, and they will typically process a full refund or issue store credit at the point of sale without requiring you to navigate complex logistics yourself. This is usually the fastest way to get your money back.

If returning to the store is not convenient for you, Calico Brands has set up a dedicated return program that handles all aspects of the shipment for you. When you contact them directly, they will provide you with specific instructions on how to proceed. Crucially, you do not need to pay for shipping or special packaging. After you have contacted Calico Brands through their recall channels, they will send you a prepaid shipping label along with appropriate hazmat packaging. This is a significant benefit because the recalled torches are potentially hazardous items. By providing specialized packaging, the company ensures that the product can be transported safely without risking injury to postal workers or damage to other goods in transit. This service is provided free of charge to consumers.

To initiate either the store return process or the direct mail-back program with hazmat packaging, you need to reach out to Calico Brands. You can call their toll-free number at 800-544-4837 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday through Friday. Alternatively, you may send an email to premiumtorchrecall@calicobrands.com or visit their dedicated recall webpage at www.calicobrands.com/premiumtorchrecall.html. You can also find information by going to www.calicobrands.com and clicking on "Product Recall" at the bottom of the page. Be sure to have your UPC number, 0-70257-52226-6, handy when you contact them, as this helps verify that your specific unit is part of the recall.

What can happen if you ignore it

It is easy to rationalize keeping a defective product, especially when it appears functional or was a recent purchase. You might think the risk is minimal because nothing has gone wrong yet, or that you are simply too busy to deal with the hassle of a return. However, ignoring this recall is not a passive choice; it is an active decision to keep a known fire hazard inside your home. The CPSC has identified that these Scripto Premium Torches violate mandatory safety standards for multipurpose lighters. This isn’t just a bureaucratic technicality—it means the device lacks critical safeguards designed to prevent accidental ignition or uncontrolled flame behavior.

The primary danger lies in the unpredictability of the fire. Because these torches fail to meet federal safety requirements, they can ignite unexpectedly or sustain flames that are difficult to manage. In a domestic setting, this transforms a simple tool into a significant threat. A sudden flare-up can easily catch nearby combustible materials—such as curtains, paper towels, or clothing—on fire. Once a fire starts, it spreads rapidly, often faster than you can react. The result is not just the loss of the torch itself, but potentially the destruction of your home and the severe risk of serious burns or smoke inhalation to you and your family.

While the agency reports no incidents at this time, the absence of reported injuries does not mean the product is safe. It simply means that, so far, luck has been on the side of consumers who have used them. Relying on luck with fire hazards is a dangerous strategy. The potential consequences of continuing to use these torches include life-threatening burns, which can cause permanent scarring and disability, or fatal fires that leave little time for escape. The risk is not theoretical; it is built into the design flaw that triggered this recall.

Furthermore, ignoring the recall creates a false sense of security for others in your household. Children or pets may be attracted to the device, assuming it is just another ordinary lighter. If the torch malfunctions while in their hands, the outcome could be tragic. By leaving the product in circulation, you are also contributing to the broader community risk, as faulty lighters can cause fires in shared spaces like apartments or offices. The only way to neutralize this threat is to remove the device from your environment immediately. Do not wait for an accident to happen before acting; the cost of inaction is far too high.

Staying safe: broader tips

While this specific recall addresses a critical failure in the safety design of multipurpose torch lighters, maintaining a generally fire-safe home requires looking beyond individual product defects to how we interact with ignition sources daily. Multipurpose torches are unique because they combine high-intensity heat with ergonomic grips and adjustable flames, which can create a false sense of security. Unlike standard disposable lighters that require significant thumb pressure and friction to ignite, torch models often feature easy-press triggers and hands-free locks. This convenience is great for precision tasks like soldering or culinary searing, but it significantly lowers the barrier for accidental ignition, particularly in households with curious children or pets who might mistake the device for a toy or a simple tool. Understanding this mechanical difference is the first step in prevention: always treat these devices as high-heat industrial tools rather than casual household items.

One of the most effective ways to prevent burns and fires involving handheld ignition sources is to establish strict storage protocols. Never store torches, even those with child-resistant features, in locations that are easily accessible to children, such as on kitchen counters, in drawer fronts, or inside bags that kids might rummage through. Instead, keep them in a locked cabinet or a high, out-of-reach shelf that requires adult assistance to open. It is also wise to store the fuel canisters separately from the ignition unit when not in use. This physical separation ensures that even if a child accesses one component, they cannot create a flame without the other, adding a crucial layer of passive safety. Additionally, always ensure the nozzle is capped or covered when the device is stored to prevent dust accumulation and accidental discharge.

Regular maintenance and inspection are equally vital for long-term safety. Over time, the seals on torch lighters can degrade, leading to fuel leaks that may not be immediately visible but create a highly flammable environment around the device. Periodically check your torch for any signs of wear, such as cracked rubber grips, loose nozzles, or difficulty in igniting, which can indicate internal valve issues. If you notice any irregularities, stop using the device immediately and dispose of it according to local hazardous waste guidelines rather than attempting a DIY repair. Furthermore, consider installing smoke alarms on every level of your home and inside each sleeping area. Test these alarms monthly by pressing the test button; a functioning alarm provides the earliest possible warning in case of a fire, giving you precious time to evacuate regardless of how the fire started.

Finally, stay proactive about product safety by regularly checking for recalls on all household items, not just those that have recently been reported. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and other regulatory bodies update their databases frequently. By making it a habit to review recall notices for major appliances, electronics, and tools you own, you can address potential hazards before they result in injury. Registering your products with the manufacturer after purchase is another simple step that ensures you receive direct notifications if a safety issue arises with your specific model. Combining vigilance with proper storage and regular maintenance creates a robust defense against household fires, turning potential risks into manageable, controlled tasks.