Robertshaw Controls Co. Recalls Gas Controls Installed in Commercial Cooking Appliances for Fire Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of Product: Robertshaw FS Flame Switches and FM Automatic Safety Valves (installed in commercial cooking appliances)

Units: About 7,800

Manufacturer: Robertshaw Controls Co., of West Plains, Mo.

Hazard: These controls are designed to prevent gas from flowing when the pilot light is out. The recalled controls can remain on after the pilot light is extinguished. If this happens, gas can continue to flow to the main burner of the appliance, which poses a risk of a gas explosion and fire.

Incidents/Injuries: Robertshaw Controls Co. has received one report of a gas ignition incident, which resulted in two minor injuries.

Description: The FS Flame Switches and FM Automatic Safety Valves being recalled are installed on natural and liquid propane (LP) gas commercial cooking equipment, such as ranges, pasta cookers, deep fat fryers or griddles. The recalled FS Flame Switches were installed on the following commercial cooking equipment brands: Keating (of Chicago), PMI Food Equipment Group, Vulcan, Southbend, Blodgett, Toastmaster, and Wolf Range. The recalled FM Automatic Safety Valves were installed on the following commercial cooking equipment brands: Bari (Restaurant and Pizzeria), Southbend, and Blodgett. The model and/or serial numbers can be found on the cooking appliance identification plate located on the appliance. For a list of appliances with recalled switches and valves, visit www.robertshaw.com

Sold by: Original equipment manufacturers and food service equipment dealers to commercial food service providers (such as restaurants) nationwide from August 2005 through June 2006 for the FS Flame Switches and from April 2006 through June 2006 for FM Automatic Valves. Consumers who had cooking equipment installed or serviced before August 2005 are not affected.

Manufactured In: United States

Remedy: Consumers who believe they could have recalled safety valves on their cooking appliances should contact Robertshaw Controls Co. who will arrange for a free replacement, if necessary. If you smell gas near the appliance or in the building, immediately leave the area and call your gas company or a certified gas technician to investigate the cause.

Consumer Contact: For more information, call Robertshaw Controls Co. toll-free at (800) 232-9389 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's Web site at www.robertshaw.com to review a list of the appliances with recalled switches and valves.

FS Switch 18

FS Switch 27

FM Automatic Safety Valves