In recent months we've seen an influx of product recalls from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. The affected products have included dysfunctional highchairs, faulty smoke alarms, expired fire extinguishers, and even Instant Pot multi-cookers. Now, GTC halogen lightbulbs sold exclusively at H-E-Bs are the most recent voluntary recall. Issued today, the recall affects about 2.5 million units, or lightbulb packages of 2 or 4 bulbs.
The halogen lightbulbs can shatter while in use in a lamp or light fixture and pose a risk of laceration and fire hazards to consumers. H-E-B recalls are rare, especially since the items are only sold in Texas. The lightbulb recall affects those bulb packages sold in 25 watt, 40 watt, 60 watt, 75 watt, or 100 watt bulb varieties in clear or soft white colors. The bulbs are about 4.5 inches in length and 2.3 inches in diameter.
You'll know your halogen bulb is affected if the top of the bulb reads "GTC" and includes the wattage and lumens values. The product packaging features blue and red cardboard boxes that read "GTC NATURAL LIGHT" on top, these bulbs are only affected if they have the following product name and UPC code, per the press release.
- Product Name: GTC A19 HAL 60W 1500 SW 4PK ; UPC Code: 4122043932
- Product Name: GTC A19 HAL 75W 1500HR SW 4PK ; UPC Code: 4122065268
- Product Name: GTC A19 HAL 100W 1500HR SW 4PK ; UPC Code: 4122017409
- Product Name: GTC A19 HAL 60W 1500HR CLR 4PK ; UPC Code: 4122017463
- Product Name: GTC A19 HAL 75W 1500HR CLR 4PK ; UPC Code: 4122017576
- Product Name: GTC A19 HAL 100W 1500HR CL 4PK ; UPC Code: 4122065608
- Product Name: GTC A19 HAL 40W 1500HR CLR 2P ; UPC Code: 4122084562
- Product Name: GTC A19 HAL 60W 1500HR CLR 2P ; UPC Code: 4122029652
- Product Name: GTC A19 HAL 75W 1500HR CLR 2PK ; UPC Code: 4122029783
- Product Name: GTC A19 HAL 100W 1500HR CL 2PK ; UPC Code: 4122065177
- Product Name: GTC A19 HAL 25W 1500HR SW 2PK ; UPC Code: 4122030062
- Product Name: GTC A19 HAL 40W 1500HR SW 2PK ; UPC Code: 4122017464
- Product Name: GTC A19 HAL 60W 1500HR SW 2PK ; UPC Code: 4122017397
- Product Name: GTC A19 HAL 75W 1500HR SW 2PK ; UPC Code: 4122065271
- Product Name: GTC A19 HAL 100W 1500HR SW 2PK ; UPC Code: 4122017418
If you own any of these models, you should using the recalled product immediately and return them to H-E-B for a full refund. This is not a precautionary recall; HEB Grocery Company LLC in San Antonio received 14 reports of the light bulbs shattering in a lamp or light fixture has been reported. One consumer had a cut on his hand, and one had a burn on his and cuts on his foot from the shattering.
For more recall information, head on over to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission website.
