Original; see modified release: Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. Recall of Slow Cookers

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
June 15, 2004
Release # 04-159

Wal-Mart Recall Hotline: (800) 876-1288
CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

CPSC, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. Announce Recall of Slow Cookers

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announces the following recall in voluntary cooperation with the firm below. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of product: General Electric Cool Touch Slow Cooker

Units: 146,000

Manufacturer: Select Brands Inc., of Lenexa, Kan.

Distributor: Wal-Mart Stores Inc., of Bentonville, Ark.

Hazard: The heating element can drop to the bottom of the slow cooker and melt through the plastic outer shell, posing a burn hazard to users.

Incidents/Injuries: Wal-Mart has received 27 reports of scorched or damaged countertops, though no injuries have been reported.

Description: The recalled General Electric (GE) Cool Touch 6 Quart Slow Cooker has a removable blue ceramic bowl with a glass lid. The enclosure that surrounds the ceramic bowl is made of plastic. The GE logo is located on the front of the unit underneath the temperature control knob. The model number 168945 is located on a silver label on the bottom of the base.

Sold exclusively at: Wal-Mart stores nationwide from June 2003 through May 2004 for about $28.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using product and return the slow cooker to Wal-Mart for a full refund.

Consumer Contact: Call Wal-Mart at (800) 876-1288 anytime or log on to www.gehousewares.com