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CPSC recall · Reported May 18, 2004

CPSC, Kmart Corp. Announce Recall of Martha Stewart Everyday® Safety Matches

These matches may ignite upon impact, posing a fire hazard to consumers.

Recall #
04138
Affected scope
588 boxes
Compiled from official public sources by the editorial team.
Verify with CPSC →
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Kmart Corp., of Troy, Mich. recalled The recalled matches come in a yellow checkered box, with the UPC code - 045774700237 - p… - a moderate-severity action.

CPSC, Kmart Corp. Announce Recall of Martha Stewart Everyday® Safety Matches was recalled by Kmart Corp., of Troy, Mich. in May 18, 2004. Reason: These matches may ignite upon impact, posing a fire hazard to consumers.. Remedy: Consumers should stop using the matches immediately and return them to the store where pu…. Verify recall #04138 with the CPSC before acting.

The recall

Kmart Corp., of Troy, Mich. issued this moderate-severity CPSC recall-These matches may ignite upon impact, posing a fire hazard to consumers..

Moderate
severity level
May 18, 2004
reported

Sourced from official CPSC enforcement records. Verify recall #04138 with the agency before acting. Full product description, hazard, remedy, and related recalls are below.

Recall Insight

This CPSC action (record #04138) was formally reported on May 18, 2004. It is classified under Moderate severity, with a current status of Active. Kmart Corp., of Troy, Mich. is listed as the recalling firm. Federal records list the affected scope as 588 boxes.

The documented reason for this recall is: These matches may ignite upon impact, posing a fire 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 stop using the matches immediately and return them 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

50100150200250 20052008201120142017202020232026 115
Severity2487872426High severity (most serious)Moderate severityLow severity
Where this recall sits in the database

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.

Severity

Moderate

Affected scope

588 boxes

Related Recalls

6

6 from same agency

Product description

The recalled matches come in a yellow checkered box, with the UPC code - 045774700237 - printed on the back. The matches are 11 inches long.

Reason for recall

These matches may ignite upon impact, posing a fire hazard to consumers.

Remedy, what to do

Consumers should stop using the matches immediately and return them to the store where purchased for a full refund.

Recall Profile

Structured summary of the CPSC recall record
Attribute Value
Agency U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Severity class Moderate
Status Active
Recall number 04138
Date reported May 18, 2004
Date initiated May 18, 2004
Recalling firm Kmart Corp., of Troy, Mich.
Affected scope 588 boxes
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 stop using the matches immediately and return them to the store where purchased for a full refund.

  • Check the recall number (04138) 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 recalled matches come in a yellow checkered box, with the UPC code - 045774700237 - printed on the back. The matches are 11 inches long.. Recalled by Kmart Corp., of Troy, Mich.. Units affected: 588 boxes.
Why was this product recalled?
These matches may ignite upon impact, posing a fire hazard to consumers.
What should consumers do?
Consumers should stop using the matches immediately and return them to the store where purchased for a full refund.
Which agency issued this recall?
This recall was issued by the CPSC on May 18, 2004. Severity: Moderate. Recall number: 04138.
How do I check if my product is affected by a recall?
Check the product description and recall number (04138) 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.

Nearby Recalls in This Category

Other recalls in the same product category, useful for spotting patterns across the same defect class or manufacturer.

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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 May 18, 2004. 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.