U.S. Consumer Safety Agency Recalls Samsung Phone

The Consumer Product Safety Commission on Thursday announced a formal recall of the Galaxy Note 7 phone, which has sparked fires and a global crisis for Samsung Electronics Co.

In a statement, the CPSC said consumers "should immediately stop using and power down the recalled Galaxy Note 7 devices." The agency said users can request a Galaxy Note 7 with a different battery, a refund or a replacement device.

Samsung, in a separate statement, said it expected to have the new Note 7 devices at most U.S. retail locations by Sept. 22.

Samsung already had been pursuing a global recall effort of its own, after reports surfaced of overheating and exploding batteries in its new top-of-the-line phone. But the company's recall effort has been plagued by problems, including conflicting consumer information and communications troubles with regulators.

According to the CPSC, Samsung has received 92 reports of the batteries overheating in the U.S., including 26 reports of burns and 55 reports of property damage, including fires in cars and a garage.