QVC Recalls Electric Toasters Due to Fire Hazard

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

Name of Product: Cook’s Essential Electric Toasters

Units: About 13,000

Retailer: QVC Inc., of West Chester, Pa.

Hazard: The toaster can turn on without bread in the slots and ignite items placed on top of it, posing a fire hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: QVC has received reports of five toasters turning on spontaneously, including two incidents of toaster covers burned and one incident of fire damage to a kitchen cabinet. No injuries have been reported.

Description: This recall involves the “Cook’s Essential” chrome two-slice electric toasters model CT200. Each toaster has “Cook’s Essentials” and “Model: CT200” printed on a plate located on the underside of the toaster.

Sold by: QVC’s televised shopping programs, Web page, toll-free number, outlet, and employee and Studio stores from May 2000 through May 2003 for between $50 and $60.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the toaster immediately, unplug it, and return it to QVC using the prepaid shipping labels that QVC will provide. Consumers who return their toasters will receive a full refund of the purchase price, plus shipping and handling.

Consumer Contact: Consumers who bought a toaster from QVC’s television program or at QVC.com were sent a package by mail containing information on how to receive a refund. Any consumer who bought a toaster at a QVC outlet or retail store should return the toaster to the store where it was purchased to receive a full refund. Consumers who have not received the information package should call QVC at (800) 367- 9444 from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. ET, any day or visit the firm’s Web site at www.qvc.com