CONSUMER BRIEFS / RECALL

Target Corp. has recalled 610,000 Halloween flashlights after learning that the lights could heat up, melt and burn hands.

Two types of Halloween-themed flashlights are involved in the recall: “mini” Halloween flashlights and “standard size” Halloween flashlights sold with stencils, the Consumer Product Safety Commission said in a statement.

The recall was prompted by eight reports to Target of flashlights overheating and melting, including one person burning a hand, the commission said.

The mini flashlights have a key ring on the bottom and were sold in packs of three colors: black, green and orange. The standard-size flashlights are black with an orange top and sold with six stencils: a pumpkin, a skull and crossbones, a ghost, a spider, a cat and a witch.

Target stores across the U.S. sold the flashlights -- priced at $1 for the mini flashlights and $2.50 for a standard flashlight with stencils -- from August to September, the commission said.

Consumers should stop using the flashlights and return them to any Target store for a full refund. For more information, contact Minneapolis-based Target at (800) 440-0680 or www.target.com, or visit www.cpsc.gov.