Dangerous flare(s)?

   In the summer I was using my grandparent's yacht, and they showed me the product recall letter they had been sent. We replaced these flares:
Total Recall Of Pains Wessex White Collision Warning (MK7) Hand Flares

Pains Wessex (As Amended By ISAF), Monday, May 08, 2006 
Following investigations carried out after an incident in which a member of the public was injured, Pains Wessex has announced a total recall of all its Pains Wessex White Collision Warning (MK7) Hand Flares Item No 52651. 

Pains Wessex has identified that there may be a risk that some of these white flares will not fire as intended. All white flares are therefore being recalled as a safety precaution. Additionally, this total recall will allow us to bring these products into our continuing investigation. 
The Pains Wessex White Collision Warning (MK 7) Hand Flare Item No 52651 is sold on its own and is also contained as a part of the Collision Warn-Off Kit and the ORC RORC Distress Kit.
Customers with in date Pains Wessex White Collision Warning (MK7) Hand Flares Item No 52651 are requested not to use the flare, and to return it immediately to the place of purchase where the purchase price will be refunded. If unable to return the flare to the place of purchase, customers may take the flare to their nearest chandler.
Customers with out of date Pains Wessex White Collision Warning (MK7) Hand Flares Item No 52651 should contact Pains Wessex on + 44 2392 623965.
To assist its customers with this recall, Pains Wessex has set up a help line during office hours on + 44 2392 623962 or the company can be contacted via email at recall@pwss.com.