PlainRecalls

Ronson Brand Tech Torch Recalled by Zippo Due to Fire Hazard

Reported: October 8, 2019 Initiated: October 8, 2019 #20007 About 660,000 (in addition, approximately 98,000 were distributed in Canada) units

CPSC recall on October 8, 2019. Classified as Moderate severity. Approximately About 660,000 (in addition, approximately 98,000 were distributed in Canada) units are affected. The recall was issued because: The Ronson Tech Torch can continue to produce a flame after the activation trigger is released into the off position, p…. This recall notice is sourced from official CPSC enforcement records. Below you will find the complete product description, hazard information, remedy instructions, and related recalls from the same manufacturer or product category.

Recall Insight

This CPSC action (record #20007) was formally reported on October 8, 2019. It is classified under Moderate severity, with a current status of Active. The recalling firm is not specified in the federal record. Federal records indicate About 660,000 (in addition, approximately 98,000 were distributed in Canada) units are affected, placing this recall in the million-unit bracket that typically triggers nationwide consumer alerts and retailer sweeps.

The documented reason for this recall is: The Ronson Tech Torch can continue to produce a flame after the activation trigger is released into the off position, posing a fire hazard. 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 immediately stop using the recalled Ronson Tech Torch and contact the firm for instructions on receiving a refund in the form of a gift card. — consumers holding this product should act on that instruction rather than relying on general guidance.

To put this record in context, PlainRecalls indexes 83,949 recalls across the FDA, CPSC, NHTSA and USDA FSIS going back to 1995. Within the same product category, the database holds 6 closely related recalls. That clustering is a signal — repeated actions in a narrow category often indicate a systemic quality-control issue, a supplier-wide contamination, or a design defect that has propagated across product lines. This recall is roughly 7 years old; older recalls can remain relevant because many units enter resale, rental, and secondary-market channels where the original warning never reaches the end user. Always cross-check the recall number against the official agency page before relying on any summary.

Recall Distribution by Severity Class

Severity1Class I (Critical)Class II (Moderate)Class III (Low)
Recall Distribution by Severity Class

Severity

Moderate

Units Affected

About 660,000 (in addition, approximately 98,000 were distributed in Canada)

Related Recalls

6

0 from same agency

Product Description

This recall involves the Ronson Tech Torch Auto Start. The torch is a red utility lighter with a black rubber handle, black trigger and metal nozzle. It is packaged with a Ronson butane fuel can. Ronson is printed on top of the torch and Tech Torch is printed on the base of the product.

Reason for Recall

The Ronson Tech Torch can continue to produce a flame after the activation trigger is released into the off position, posing a fire hazard.

Remedy

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled Ronson Tech Torch and contact the firm for instructions on receiving a refund in the form of a gift card.

Details

Units Affected
About 660,000 (in addition, approximately 98,000 were distributed in Canada)

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 20007
Date reported October 8, 2019
Date initiated October 8, 2019
Recalling firm Not disclosed
Units affected About 660,000 (in addition, approximately 98,000 were distributed in Canada)
Distribution Not disclosed

Profile values are sourced directly from the official CPSC enforcement record. Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Scale of Impact

About 660,000 (in addition, approximately 98,000 were distributed in Canada) units affected — million-unit bracket.

Regional (<10K units)
Multi-state (10K – 100K units)
Large-scale (100K – 1M units)
Massive (≥1M units) ✓ This recall

Bracket cutoffs follow federal recall-disclosure conventions; bar widths scale linearly within each bracket. Source: PlainRecalls analysis of U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission filings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What product was recalled?
This recall involves the Ronson Tech Torch Auto Start. The torch is a red utility lighter with a black rubber handle, black trigger and metal nozzle. It is packaged with a Ronson butane fuel can. Ronson is printed on top of the torch and Tech Torch is printed on the base of the product.. Units affected: About 660,000 (in addition, approximately 98,000 were distributed in Canada).
Why was this product recalled?
The Ronson Tech Torch can continue to produce a flame after the activation trigger is released into the off position, posing a fire hazard.
What should consumers do?
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled Ronson Tech Torch and contact the firm for instructions on receiving a refund in the form of a gift card.
Which agency issued this recall?
This recall was issued by the CPSC on October 8, 2019. Severity: Moderate. Recall number: 20007.
How do I check if my product is affected by a recall?
Check the product description and recall number (20007) 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.

Recall Context

Product recalls are issued when a manufacturer, distributor, or federal agency determines that a product poses a safety risk to consumers. This recall is classified as moderate severity, indicating the product may cause temporary or medically reversible health consequences. Across PlainRecalls, we track 83,000+ recalls from FDA, CPSC, and NHTSA to help consumers stay informed and act quickly when safety issues arise.

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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Data Sources

Data as of 2025. Source: FDA, CPSC, NHTSA, USDA FSIS federal recall databases.

  • Source: FDA — Food and Drug Administration, openFDA Enforcement API (food, drug, and medical device recalls)
  • Source: CPSC — Consumer Product Safety Commission Recalls API (consumer product recalls and hazards)
  • Source: NHTSA — National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Recalls API (vehicle safety recalls)
  • Source: USDA FSIS — Food Safety and Inspection Service (meat, poultry, and egg product recalls)

Recall information is sourced from official federal agency databases. Always verify recall details with the issuing agency for the most current status. This information is for research and awareness purposes only.

All federal data sources used on this page

Source: Federal recall agencies (FDA, CPSC, NHTSA, USDA FSIS) Aggregated multi-agency recall feeds · 2024 Recall data normalized across federal agency feeds; severity classifications follow each agency's own taxonomy (FDA Class I/II/III; CPSC, NHTSA, USDA FSIS).