WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Rose Art Industries Inc., of Livingston, N.J. is voluntarily recalling about 188,000 cotton candy machines. The motors on the cotton candy machines can jam and overheat, posing a fire hazard. Additionally, the heating unit can be activated without the spinner in place, presenting a risk of burn to consumers.

CPSC and Rose Art have received 225 reports of the machines overheating. There have been three reports of fire, one resulting in an estimated $2,000 in property damage. CPSC has received a report of two unconfirmed minor injuries.

The recalled cotton candy machines have either a blue or a purple base and a clear plastic cover. The words "The Real Cotton Candy Machine" are printed in a rainbow of colors on the base of the machine and on the packaging. The product is marketed for children ages 10 and up. The cotton candy machines were made in China.

Toy and discount stores sold these cotton candy machines nationwide from September 2001 through April 2002 for about $27.

Consumers should stop using these cotton candy machines immediately and contact Rose Art at (888) 262-4474 anytime for a free replacement motor unit, and free samples of flavored sugar to make cotton candy. For more information, consumers can visit the firm's web site at www.roseart.com.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission protects the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death from 15,000 types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, call CPSC's hotline at (800) 638-2772 or CPSC's teletypewriter at (800) 638-8270, or visit CPSC's web site at www.cpsc.gov/talk.html. Consumers can obtain this release and recall information at CPSC's web site at www.cpsc.gov.