Commercial Freezers Used in Grocery Stores Recalled By Unilever Due to Fire Hazard

The following product safety recall was voluntarily conducted by the firm in cooperation with the CPSC. Retail establishments should stop using the product immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Product Involved: Fricon Upright Freezers

Units: About 960

Importer: Unilever, dba Good Humor Breyers United States, of Trumbull, Conn.

Manufacturer: Frigocon – Indústria de Frio e Congelaçăo S.A., of Portugal

Hazard: The controller of the freezer is incompatible with the unit and can overheat and melt the relay, posing a fire hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: Unilever has received four reports of fires, resulting in damage to the unit and/or displayed product. No injuries have been reported.

Description: This recall involves the Fricon commercial one-door upright freezers with model number VCV1V. These freezers are typically used in grocery stores and other commercial settings. The model number is found either on a label located in the upper, right corner on the back of the unit or on a label located inside the unit on the lower left side.

Leased for: Unilever distributors nationwide from May 2007 through March 2009 for about $105/year per unit.

Manufactured in: Portugal

Remedy: Retailers and distributors should immediately disconnect the freezers and remove them from service. The company has notified all retailers and distributors in possession of the freezers directly and will replace the controller of the freezer free of charge.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Unilever at (800) 800-7900, x3828 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.