March 9, 2001

National Service Industries Inc. Announces Recall of Zep Commercial Cleaners Sold at The Home Depot

National Service Industries Inc. (NSI), of Atlanta, Ga., is voluntarily recalling about 1.4 million bottles of Zep Commercial cleaner sold in 32 oz. bottles. Some of these bottles can leak through the cap when turned on their side, allowing the contents of the cleaner to come into contact with consumers. These cleaners can cause irritation and burns to the skin and eyes.

NSI has received 10 reports from consumers of the bottles of these cleaners leaking, including three injuries consisting of one report of a chemical burn to a consumer's forearm and two reports of the cleaner getting into consumers' eyes.

Only the 32-ounce bottles of four types of Zep Commercial cleaners are part of this recall. They are the Acidic Toilet Bowl Cleaner; Calcium Lime & Rust Stain Remover; Grout Cleaner & Whitener; and Driveway, Concrete & Masonry Cleaner. The word "COMMERCIAL" is written before "ZEP" on the top of the labels on the white, plastic bottles, and the product names are written below the brand name. The Home Depot stores nationwide exclusively sold these cleaners from January 1998 through February 2001 for between $3 and $4.

Consumers should stop using the recalled cleaners immediately since the bottles can leak, and call the Zep Commercial hotline. The hotline will help consumers determine if their cleaner bottle is leaking, and provide instructions on how to dispose of leaking bottles and get a refund. For more information, call Zep Commercial toll-free at (888) 805-HELP between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's web site at www.zepcommercial.com, or e-mail the firm at zephelp@zepcommercial.com. NSI Contact: Cathy Tyler (404) 853-1150. Consumers should not return recalled cleaner to The Home Depot, but should call the hotline for instructions.