Fredericksburg Farms Recalls 10 Ounce Scented Candles with Glass Lids Due to Laceration Hazard

What was recalled

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a recall affecting a specific line of home fragrance products manufactured by Fredericksburg Farms. Specifically, this action targets 10-ounce scented candles housed in square glass jars with matching glass lids. The issue is not with the wax or the scent itself, but with the physical construction of the container and its lid mechanism. These items were marketed under the Fredericksburg Farms brand name, which is prominently displayed on the front of each jar. If you purchased these candles recently, it is important to verify whether your specific item falls within this recall notice.

The scope of this recall is defined by precise product identifiers rather than just the general appearance of the candle. The affected items are 10-ounce scented candles featuring a square glass jar design topped with a glass lid. To help consumers identify if they own a recalled unit, the CPSC and Fredericksburg Farms have provided detailed model numbers and Universal Product Code (UPC) numbers located on the label at the bottom of the jar. The recall encompasses 15 distinct scents from this product line. It is crucial to check the bottom label for the specific Model Number and UPC code, as visual inspection of the candle’s appearance alone may not be sufficient to confirm its status.

The following models are included in this recall:

• Model D2001A (West Texas Saddle Leather): UPC 8 00565 80822 2
• Model D2009A (Buttery Vanilla): UPC 8 00565 80826 0
• Model D2011A (Creme Brulee - Small): UPC 8 00565 80828 4
• Model D2012A (Spiced Orange - Small): UPC 8 00565 80830 7
• Model D2013A (Hill Country Christmas - Small): UPC 8 00565 80832 1
• Model D2017A (Bird of Paradise - Small): UPC 8 00565 80834 5
• Model D2025A (Hill Country Lavender - Small): UPC 8 00565 80840 6
• Model D2042A (Sandalwood Currant - Small): UPC 8 00565 80854 3
• Model D3100A (Texas Ruby Red Grapefruit - Small): UPC 8 00565 80856 7
• Model D3101A (Autumn Harvest): UPC 8 00565 80858 1
• Model D3111A (Spiced Chestnut - Small): UPC 8 00565 80876 5
• Model D3112A (Snowy Mountain Lodge - Small): UPC 8 00565 80877 2
• Model D3113A (Peppercorn & Ginger - Small): UPC 8 00565 80878 9
• Model D3115A (Teakwood & Mahogany - Small): UPC 8 00565 80880 2
• Model D3116A (Vanilla Birch - Small): UPC 8 00565 80881 9

While the recall notice does not explicitly detail the exact volume of units sold or the specific retail outlets where these candles were distributed, it is important to note that this product line may have been available in various stores and online platforms prior to the recall date of March 16, 2023. The manufacturer, Fredericksburg Farms, has taken responsibility for identifying these specific SKUs due to a safety defect. Consumers who own any of the models listed above should treat them as part of this recall until they have confirmed their status through the official channels provided by the company.

The hazard, explained

At first glance, a glass candle jar with a tight-fitting lid seems like a simple, harmless piece of home decor. However, the specific design flaw identified in this recall creates a dangerous mechanical trap. The core issue lies in the precise tension between the glass lid and the mouth of the square jar. In these recalled Fredericksburg Farms candles, the manufacturing tolerances for the glass components are such that the lid fits too tightly against the jar opening. While this tight seal might initially seem beneficial for preserving scent or protecting the wax, it inadvertently compromises the structural integrity of the glass when force is applied.

Candles naturally expand and contract with temperature changes, and the wax itself shrinks slightly as it burns. Over time, this dynamic can cause the lid to become even more firmly stuck than it was originally. When a consumer attempts to remove the lid—perhaps to light the candle for the first time or to check the wax level—it often does not slide off with gentle pressure. This is where the danger escalates rapidly. Instead of simply lifting away, the lid acts as a wedge. To get it off, users instinctively apply increased torque and pulling force.

When that excessive force is applied to a glass lid that is mechanically bound too tightly to the jar, the stress concentrates on the weakest points of the square glass container. Square jars are particularly susceptible to this kind of failure because their corners create natural stress points compared to round vessels. The glass cannot flex to absorb the sudden tension. Instead of the lid popping off cleanly, the jar itself shatters. This results in jagged shards of glass falling onto the user’s hands and arms, leading to the lacerations reported by the company.

The CPSC notes that Fredericksburg Farms has received four reports of consumers suffering cuts after the jars broke under these conditions. While the number of confirmed incidents is currently low, the mechanism of injury is severe. A laceration from broken glass can range from superficial scratches to deep wounds requiring stitches, depending on how the jar breaks and where the user’s hands are positioned during the struggle. The risk is not just about annoyance; it is a genuine physical threat that arises from the interaction between rigid materials and human force.

It is important to understand why this happens beyond just "the lid is tight." Glass is brittle. It does not stretch like metal or plastic. When you pull against a seal that is fused by friction and thermal contraction, the energy has to go somewhere. In a well-designed container, the lid would release before the glass fails. Here, the tolerance stack-up prevents release, forcing the glass to fail instead. This is why the remedy explicitly warns against forcing the lid off. The hazard is not just that the candle might spill; it is that the container itself may explode into sharp fragments in your hands.

If you are holding one of these candles and the lid feels resistant, do not interpret this as a sign to try harder. That resistance is the warning signal. The physical mechanism has already shifted from a simple opening action to a structural failure point. Understanding this helps explain why the recall remedy is so strict: stopping use immediately is the only way to prevent the glass from reaching its breaking point.

Who is most at risk

While anyone who purchases and uses these recalled Fredericksburg Farms scented candles faces a potential for injury, the nature of the hazard—glass shattering due to excessive force applied during lid removal—means that certain groups are disproportionately vulnerable. The primary risk factor here is not just ownership of the product, but the physical interaction required to use it. Because the defect involves glass lids that are too tight, the user must exert significant torque and downward pressure to remove them. This mechanical requirement creates a specific danger profile for individuals who may lack the hand strength, dexterity, or joint stability needed to perform this task safely.

Children are among the most at-risk demographics for several reasons. First, their hands are smaller, which can make it difficult to get a secure grip on the smooth glass lid of the square jar. This often leads them to use both hands in an awkward position or to apply force unevenly, increasing the likelihood that the glass will fracture rather than twist off. Furthermore, children may not fully comprehend the severity of sharp glass shards or the immediate danger they pose. Their natural curiosity might also lead them to attempt removing the lid without adult supervision, or after the candle has been lit, adding the variable of heat-stressed glass to the mix. A laceration from shattered glass is particularly traumatic and difficult for a child to manage alone, requiring immediate first aid and potentially emergency medical attention.

Elderly individuals or those with arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, or other conditions affecting hand strength and grip are also at high risk. The recalled candles require a firm, twisting motion to overcome the tight seal. For someone with reduced grip strength or joint pain, this action can be physically strenuous. When force fails to dislodge the lid, the instinctive reaction is often to apply even more pressure or to use tools like towels for extra leverage. These compensatory actions significantly increase the stress on the glass jar, raising the probability of a sudden break. Additionally, older adults may have slower reflexes and thinner skin, meaning that if a laceration does occur, it could be deeper, heal more slowly, and carry a higher risk of infection compared to a younger person.

Finally, anyone attempting to remove the lid while the candle is lit or immediately after extinguishing it faces compounded risks. Heat can cause glass to expand and become more brittle, making it more susceptible to shattering when subjected to the twisting force required by this defective design. Therefore, caregivers, parents, and seniors who use these candles for ambiance should be especially cautious. The hazard is not inherent to the scent or the wax, but specifically to the mechanical failure of the lid-jar interface under manual stress. Recognizing that this task requires more physical effort than a typical candle jar allows users to assess their own capability and seek assistance if needed, thereby mitigating the risk of injury.

How to tell if you have the recalled item

If you enjoy the cozy ambiance of scented candles, it is entirely possible that one or more of these specific Fredericksburg Farms products are sitting in your home right now. Because these items were sold as premium home fragrance goods, they often blend in with other decor or gifts, making accurate identification crucial for your safety. The recall covers 10-ounce scented candles housed in distinctive square glass jars topped with matching glass lids. To determine if your candle is part of this specific recall, you need to look closely at the physical characteristics of the container and, most importantly, verify the details printed on the label.

Start by examining the bottom of the jar. This is where the manufacturer places the critical tracking information that distinguishes the recalled units from safe ones. You are looking for a label that clearly displays both a model number and a Universal Product Code (UPC). The brand name "Fredericksburg Farms" should also be visible on the front of the jar, but the definitive proof lies in the code on the bottom. If you cannot find these numbers, or if the jar is round rather than square, it is likely not part of this specific recall, though you should always err on the side of caution with any glass lid product.

The recall includes 15 distinct scents, so having a list to check against is very helpful. Even if you do not remember the exact scent, checking the model number against the list below will confirm whether your item is affected. All recalled items are 10-ounce sizes. Please compare the model number and UPC code on the bottom of your jar with the following list:

• Model # D2001A: West Texas Saddle Leather, 10 oz. (UPC: 8 00565 80822 2)
• Model # D2009A: Buttery Vanilla, 10 oz. (UPC: 8 00565 80826 0)
• Model # D2011A: Creme Brulee, 10 oz. (Small) (UPC: 8 00565 80828 4)
• Model # D2012A: Spiced Orange, 10 oz. (Small) (UPC: 8 00565 80830 7)
• Model # D2013A: Hill Country Christmas, 10 oz. (Small) (UPC: 8 00565 80832 1)
• Model # D2017A: Bird of Paradise, 10 oz. (Small) (UPC: 8 00565 80834 5)
• Model # D2025A: Hill Country Lavender, 10 oz. (Small) (UPC: 8 00565 80840 6)
• Model # D2042A: Sandalwood Currant, 10 oz. (Small) (UPC: 8 00565 80854 3)
• Model # D3100A: Texas Ruby Red Grapefruit, 10 oz. (Small) (UPC: 8 00565 80856 7)
• Model # D3101A: Autumn Harvest, 10 oz. (UPC: 8 00565 80858 1)
• Model # D3111A: Spiced Chestnut, 10 oz. (Small) (UPC: 8 00565 80876 5)
• Model # D3112A: Snowy Mountain Lodge, 10 oz. (Small) (UPC: 8 00565 80877 2)
• Model # D3113A: Peppercorn & Ginger, 10 oz. (Small) (UPC: 8 00565 80878 9)
• Model # D3115A: Teakwood & Mahogany, 10 oz. (Small) (UPC: 8 00565 80880 2)
• Model # D3116A: Vanilla Birch, 10 oz. (Small) (UPC: 8 00565 80881 9)

If your candle matches any of these model numbers and UPC codes exactly, it is part of the recall. It is important to note that the packaging description mentions a bag containing potassium hydroxide with a blue label reading "POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE FLAKES" in the context of the product components, but your primary verification method remains the model and UPC code on the candle jar's bottom label. If you have any doubt about whether your item is included, it is safer to assume it might be and follow the return instructions provided by Fredericksburg Farms.

What to do — step by step

Your refund, repair, or replacement options

If you have determined that you own one of the recalled Fredericksburg Farms 10-ounce scented candles with glass lids, your primary and most straightforward remedy is a full refund. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has mandated this course of action because the defect—tight glass lids that can cause the jar to shatter when removed—is inherent to the manufacturing process. This means there is no simple "fix" or repair kit that can safely correct the issue. Attempting to modify the candle yourself, such as by trying to loosen the lid permanently or apply different adhesives, would not address the underlying structural weakness and could potentially create new hazards. Therefore, the official remedy provided by the manufacturer is to return the product entirely in exchange for your money back.

To initiate this refund process, you must contact Fredericksburg Farms directly. The company has established specific channels for consumers to follow, ensuring that your claim is processed correctly and that you receive clear instructions on how to send the item back. You can reach their recall support team by calling their toll-free number at 888-359-2993. It is important to note their hours of operation: they are available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time, Monday through Friday. If you prefer written communication or wish to have a record of your inquiry, you may also send an email to Recall@ffarms.com.

In addition to phone and email support, Fredericksburg Farms has set up dedicated online resources to guide you through the return process. You can visit their website at https://www.fbgfarms.com and look for the specific recall link on the homepage. Alternatively, you can go directly to https://www.fbgfarms.com/pages/recall for more detailed information. These online portals likely contain the necessary return labels, address details, and any forms you might need to complete to ensure your refund is issued without delay. Following these steps carefully will help you avoid unnecessary shipping costs or administrative hurdles.

Please be aware that the remedy consists solely of a full refund for the cost of the candle. The recall notice does not mention any options for replacement with a different model, store credit, or partial refunds. Your goal should be to dispose of the hazardous item responsibly after you have received your refund instructions. Do not attempt to sell, donate, or give away the recalled candles, as they still pose a laceration risk to anyone who handles them. By following the official contact methods and adhering to the company's return instructions, you ensure that you are protected from injury and that the defective product is removed from circulation safely.

What can happen if you ignore it

It is completely understandable why you might hesitate to stop using a beloved scented candle. Perhaps you have purchased several of these Fredericksburg Farms candles during a sale, or maybe the specific scent, like West Texas Saddle Leather or Buttery Vanilla, holds sentimental value. The impulse to keep burning them until the wax runs out is natural. However, ignoring this recall does not just mean missing out on a refund; it actively puts your physical safety at risk by maintaining a known hazard in your home. The core issue here is not the fragrance or the flame itself, but the structural integrity of the glass container when subjected to force.

The specific danger lies in the interaction between the tight-fitting glass lid and the jar body. When a lid is sealed too tightly, it creates significant friction and pressure points along the rim of the jar. If you attempt to remove the lid by pulling or twisting it with force—especially if it feels stuck due to wax buildup or thermal contraction—the stress can exceed the tensile strength of the glass. Instead of popping off cleanly, the jar may shatter. This is not a minor crack that might simply drip wax; it is a catastrophic failure of the container wall.

The consequences of this failure are immediate and sharp. As reported to the CPSC by Fredericksburg Farms, there have already been four documented incidents where consumers suffered lacerations on their hands. These injuries occur because the glass breaks while you are holding the jar or manipulating the lid. Your hands are likely unprotected, bare, and in close proximity to the breaking point. A laceration from candle glass can range from a deep scratch requiring a bandage to a serious cut that may need stitches, depending on the size of the shards and the force of the break.

Beyond the immediate risk of cuts, continuing to use these candles introduces secondary hazards. If the jar breaks while lit, you are dealing with a combination of broken glass and hot, liquid wax. This can lead to burns on your skin or damage to your countertops and flooring as hot wax spills rapidly. Furthermore, inhaling particles from broken glass or breathing in fumes from overheated wax due to compromised container stability adds unnecessary health risks to an activity that should be relaxing.

There is no benefit to taking this chance. The candle is a replaceable item, but your safety is not. By ignoring the recall, you are essentially gambling with the possibility of injury for the sake of convenience. The manufacturer has acknowledged the defect and provided a clear path to resolution. Continuing to use the product ignores their warning and keeps a dangerous object in your environment. It is far safer to accept the inconvenience of returning the item once than to risk the pain, medical costs, and stress of a preventable injury.

Staying safe: broader tips