Official Recall Issued For Galaxy Note 7 Due To Fire Risk

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com/AP) -- U.S. regulators are issuing an official recall of Samsung's Galaxy Note 7 phone because of the risk that its batteries can explode or catch fire.

Samsung already has voluntary recalled the devices, but the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is stepping in on a formal recall.

Samsung says it has confirmed a few dozen instances of the problem, out of 2.5 million phones sold. Samsung promised replacement devices, but that was put on hold while regulators reviewed the situation.

Galaxy owners were urged to immediately power down their phone and contact the retailer where the device was purchased to receive a new Galaxy Note7 with a different battery, a refund or a new replacement device free of charge.

The recall comes at a crucial time for Samsung, as its rival Apple just announced its own latest versions of the iPhone. The Note series is one of Samsung's most expensive, and demand for the phone had been high.

Visit the official CPSC website to report an incident with a Galaxy Note 7 phone or for more information on the recall.

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