Original; see modified release: Biddeford Textile Corp. Electric Blanket Recall

NEWS from CPSC

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Office of Information and Public Affairs

Washington, DC 20207

This is the original of a document that has been modified. To see the modified version, click here

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 5, 2001
Release # 02-003

CONTACT: Blanket Hotline: (877) 217-6294
CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: Scott Wolfson, (301) 504-7051

CPSC, Biddeford Textile Corp. Announce Recall of Electric Blankets

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Biddeford Textile Corp., of Biddeford, Maine, is voluntarily recalling about 394,000 electric blankets. The plug that connects the detachable control switch to the blanket can become loose. The resulting poor electrical contacts can overheat, posing a fire hazard.

CPSC and Biddeford Textile Corp. have received 34 reports of the electric blankets overheating, melting and scorching. No injuries or property damage, other than to the blanket, have been reported.

The electric blankets were sold under the model names Controlled Comfort, EH 2000, Starbright, Staywarm, Supreme 21, Warm Comfort, and had serial numbers A001A to C210C. "Biddeford Textile Corporation," along with the blanket's model name and its serial number are printed on a label near where the control switch is plugged in. The blankets were sold in king, queen, double and twin sizes in various colors, including off-white, hunter green, light blue, navy blue, white, rose, plum, burgundy, French blue, sage green, teal and rawhide.

Department stores including Kohl's and Target, and direct mail order companies, such as Fingerhut and JCPenney, sold these blankets nationwide from August 1999 through July 2001 for between $100 to $150.

Consumers should stop using the electric blankets immediately and contact Biddeford Textile Corp. for a free replacement plug connector adapter. For more information, consumers should call Biddeford Textile Corp. toll-free at (877) 217-6294 anytime, or visit their web site at www.blanketrecall.com.

Consumers should not return the electric blankets to Biddeford Textile Corp.