Recall: WestPoint Stevens Inc. Recall of Electric Blankets

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 24, 2003 Release # 03-114

Company Phone Number: (888) 439-4794 CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

CPSC, WestPoint Stevens Inc. Announce Recall of Electric Blankets

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: Electric Blankets

Units: 11,000 manufactured.

Manufacturer: WestPoint Stevens Inc., of West Point, Ga.

Hazard: When the blanket is folded, the heating element can overheat, causing the heating element and blanket to melt. This poses the risk of thermal burns to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: WestPoint has received 10 reports of the blankets overheating, including four reports of minor skin burns.

Description: The Vellux ® fahrenheit™ blankets were sold in various colors and sizes to fit all mattress sizes. The temperature controller is white with the words, "WESTPOINT STEVENS" and "fahrenheit Heated Blanket" printed on the front. The recall includes blankets manufactured from July 2002 through January 2003. The manufacture date is printed on a label sewn into the seam.

Sold at: Department stores, mail order catalogs and Web sites sold the blankets nationwide from July 2002 through April 2003 for between $80 and $130.

Manufactured in: U.S.A.

Remedy: WestPoint Stevens will provide consumers postage-free return packaging to return the product, a full refund and $25 to compensate consumers for the inconvenience.

Consumer Contact: Call WestPoint Stevens Inc. toll-free at (888) 439- 4794 anytime, or go to the firm's Web site at www.westpointstevens.com

Firm's Media Contact: Toni Cauble at (706) 645-4879.