Recall: Toasters Recalled by Proctor-Silex

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 12, 2000 Release # 00-097

Proctor-Silex Recall Line: (800) 992-4616 CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: Kim Dulic, (301) 504-7058

CPSC, Proctor-Silex Announce Recall of Toasters

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Proctor-Silex Inc., of Glen Allen, Va., is voluntarily recalling about 95,000 toasters. The heating elements in these toasters can remain on after the toast pops up. This poses a fire hazard.

CPSC and Proctor-Silex have received at least 24 complaints from consumers of these toasters staying on after the toast popped up. There have been three reports of food fires, resulting in property damage to kitchen cabinets. No injuries have been reported.

These are traditional upright electric toasters with single lifters and four extra-wide slots that can accommodate bread or bagels. The toasters with model number 24205 are white, and toasters with model number 24208 are black and chrome. The model number, series code, UL logo and "MADE IN CHINA" are printed on the bottom of the toaster. The recall includes only toasters with series codes A0379 through A3279 or series code A2589 through A3289. The name "Proctor-Silex" is written in gray lettering on the front panel of the toaster. A control dial, labeled in units from "1" to "6" for adjusting the degree of toasting, and a bread lifter for raising and lowering the food are located on the front of the toaster.

Mass merchandise stores nationwide, including Ames, Bradlees, Burdines, Eckerd, Rite Aid, Servistar and Walgreens, sold these toasters from April 1997 through September 1999 for between $20 and $25.

Consumers should immediately unplug and stop using these toasters. For information on receiving a free replacement toaster, consumers should call Proctor-Silex toll-free at (800) 992-4616 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m ET Monday through Friday, or go to their web site at http://www.proctorsilex.com/recall/

Consumers can also view a video clip about this recall (transcript). This is in "streaming video" format.