EXHIBIT 23.1



                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in the
Registration Statement on Form S-4 and related Prospectus of U.S. Industries,
Inc. and USI American Holdings, Inc. for the registration of their 7 1/8% Senior
Notes due 2003 and to the incorporation of our report dated November 12, 1998,
with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedule of U.S.
Industries, Inc. included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
October 3, 1998, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.


                                           /s/ Ernst & Young LLP



New York, New York
January 11, 1999









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