Severity
Moderate
ModerateActive
CPSC recall · Reported October 15, 2003
CPSC, John Wiley & Sons Inc. Announce Recall of "Candle and Soap Making For Dummies" Instruction Book
The instructions in the book for making lye combine sodium hydroxide and water in an incorrect order. This could cause the mixture to bubble over, posing a burn hazard to consumer…
Compiled from official public sources by the editorial team.
Verify with CPSC →
John Wiley and Sons Inc., of Hoboken, N.j. recalled The paperback book is titled "Candle & Soap Making For Dummies." The book's cover is blac… - a moderate-severity action.
CPSC, John Wiley & Sons Inc. Announce Recall of "Candle and Soap Making For Dummies" Inst… was recalled by John Wiley and Sons Inc., of Hoboken, N.j. in October 15, 2003. Reason: The instructions in the book for making lye combine sodium hydroxide and water in an incorrect order. This co…. Remedy: Consumers should return these books to the store where purchased for a full refund.. Verify recall #04010 with the CPSC before acting.
The recall
John Wiley and Sons Inc., of Hoboken, N.j. issued this moderate-severity CPSC recall-The instructions in the book for making lye combine sodium hydroxide and water in an incorrect order. This co….
- Moderate
- severity level
- 5K units
- affected scope
- October 15, 2003
- reported
Sourced from official CPSC enforcement records. Verify recall #04010 with the agency before acting. Full product description, hazard, remedy, and related recalls are below.
Recall Insight
This CPSC action (record #04010) was formally reported on October 15, 2003. It is classified under Moderate severity, with a current status of Active. John Wiley and Sons Inc., of Hoboken, N.j. is listed as the recalling firm. Federal records list the affected scope as 5,400.
The documented reason for this recall is: The instructions in the book for making lye combine sodium hydroxide and water in an incorrect order. This could cause the mixture to bubble over, posing a burn hazard to consumers. Distribution information was not included in the agency filing, so consumers should assume broad potential exposure until the firm publishes point-of-sale details. The remedy documented by the agency is: Consumers should return these books to the store where purchased for a full refund. - consumers holding this product should act on that instruction rather than relying on general guidance.
Within the same product category the archive holds 6 closely related recalls, 6 from CPSC - clustering in a narrow category often points to a systemic quality-control or supplier issue rather than a one-off defect. Always verify the recall number against the official agency record before acting.
Household Products recalls over time
Where this recall sits in its category - 3,056 household products recalls on record
Of 101,704 recalls in the database, 24,878 are high severity, 72,426 moderate, and 4,400 low. This recall is classified moderate severity.
Counts reflect market size and reporting activity, not inherent danger, we do not rank products by risk from raw recall volume.
Affected scope
5,400
Related Recalls
6
6 from same agency
Product description
The paperback book is titled "Candle & Soap Making For Dummies." The book's cover is black and yellow and has a photograph of candlesticks and slices of soap.
Reason for recall
The instructions in the book for making lye combine sodium hydroxide and water in an incorrect order. This could cause the mixture to bubble over, posing a burn hazard to consumers.
Remedy, what to do
Consumers should return these books to the store where purchased for a full refund.
Recall Profile
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission |
| Severity class | Moderate |
| Status | Active |
| Recall number | 04010 |
| Date reported | October 15, 2003 |
| Date initiated | October 15, 2003 |
| Recalling firm | John Wiley and Sons Inc., of Hoboken, N.j. |
| Affected scope | 5,400 |
| Distribution | Not disclosed |
| Official source | CPSC notice → |
Profile values are sourced directly from the official CPSC enforcement record. Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
What to do with this recall
Consumers should return these books to the store where purchased for a full refund.
- Check the recall number (04010) and product description against the item you own. Search the archive
- Confirm the current status and remedy on the official CPSC notice before acting. CPSC notice
- Follow the documented remedy (refund, replacement, repair, or disposal) rather than general advice. What to do next
This page summarizes the official CPSC record for research and awareness; it is not legal, medical, or safety advice. Verify with the issuing agency before acting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What product was recalled? ▼
The paperback book is titled "Candle & Soap Making For Dummies." The book's cover is black and yellow and has a photograph of candlesticks and slices of soap.. Recalled by John Wiley and Sons Inc., of Hoboken, N.j.. Units affected: 5,400.
Why was this product recalled? ▼
The instructions in the book for making lye combine sodium hydroxide and water in an incorrect order. This could cause the mixture to bubble over, posing a burn hazard to consumers.
What should consumers do? ▼
Consumers should return these books to the store where purchased for a full refund.
Which agency issued this recall? ▼
This recall was issued by the CPSC on October 15, 2003. Severity: Moderate. Recall number: 04010.
How do I check if my product is affected by a recall? ▼
Check the product description and recall number (04010) against your product. Visit the official CPSC website for the most current information. You can also use our Recall Checker tool to search by product name or brand.
How do I report an injury from a recalled product? ▼
Report injuries to the issuing agency: CPSC at SaferProducts.gov, NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem, or FDA via MedWatch. Document the product (photos, model/serial numbers, purchase receipts) and seek medical attention. Injury reports help agencies track hazard patterns and may strengthen enforcement actions.
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Compare this recall with Cooper Lighting Recalls Metalux Optimized High Bay LED Ligh… →
Every figure on PlainRecalls is rendered directly from official FDA, CPSC and NHTSA recall records, no number is typed in by an editor. This recall: CPSC, reported October 15, 2003. Severity classes follow each agency's own taxonomy (FDA Class I/II/III; CPSC and NHTSA by hazard type), and related-recall context is computed across the full archive. See our editorial standards & corrections policy, the methodology behind these numbers, or report a data error. Data current as of July 2026.