the present invention relates to a hand held label removal apparatus which provides a safe , reliable means for removing labels and safety seals from containers . a trigger actuated needle like cutter is manually exposed to penetrate the surface of a label and thereby remove it from the surface of a container . in addition , the cutter may be used to remove foil seals and plastic packaging found on many consumer packaging . designed to be made from various colors of plastic , the apparatus provides a simple , inexpensive means for the user to remove labels from recyclable containers . also , when the label is not in use , the cutter automatically retracts , thereby , preventing accidental harm to a person .