Low return rate prompts second notice: Toastmaster Toasters Recalled Because Of Potential Fire, Burn, And Shock Hazards

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Because of a low return rate after the first recall notice a year ago, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Toastmaster Inc. of Columbia, MO, are renewing their warning to owners of Toastmaster Model D126T electric toasters. Some toasters have a defective switch that could allow the heating elements to continue operating after the toasting cycle which may create a fire, contact burn, or severe electric shock hazard. Only seven percent of the potentially 8,857 hazardous toasters have been returned in the past year.

Toastmaster said its Model D126T electric toaster features a chrome case with a black-and-silver nameplate. The Toastmaster brand name appears on the lower right-hand corner of each appliance. Manufactured in April, May and June of 1989, the toasters sold nationwide between $30 and $35 each.

Consumers should check the crumb tray at the bottom of the toaster for the D126T model number and a five letter and digit date code running from EL101 through EL158. While there have been no reports of injuries or fires to date as a result of switch failure, the company is replacing these toasters because of the defective hazard posed by the switch. No other Toastmaster toasters or products are involved in the recall.

Consumers having the affected toasters should unplug the appliance and contact the company for instructions on returning the unit for a new toaster. Consumers may call Toastmaster toll-free at 1-800-527-3069 or write Operations Manager, Toastmaster Inc., Second and Vine Streets, Boonville, MO 65233.

CPSC learned about the defective toasters in a report provided by Toastmaster.

The CPSC's mission is to protect the public from unreasonable risks of injury and death associated with consumer products. The CPSC is the Federal agency responsible for consumer product safety. Some 15,000 different kinds of consumer products fall within the Commission's jurisdiction and each year these products are involved in an estimated 29 million injuries and 22,000 deaths.

Consumers having the affected toasters should unplug the appliance and contact the company for instructions on returning the unit for a new toaster

There have been no reports of injuries or fires to date as a result of switch failure, the company is replacing these toasters because of the defective hazard posed by the switch.