Recall: Applica Consumer Products Inc. Recall of Black & Decker® Brand ProBlend® Blenders

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 11, 2005 Release # 05-132

Firm's Recall Hotline: (800) 385-6686 CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908 Firm's Media Contact: Chris Mitchell, (203) 877-0025

CPSC, Applica Consumer Products Inc. Announce Recall of Black & Decker® Brand ProBlend® Blenders

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: Black & Decker® brand ProBlend® blenders

Units: About 500,000

Manufacturer: Elec-Tech International Co. Ltd., of China. Applica Consumer Products Inc., of Miramar, Fla., made and sold these blenders under the Black & Decker® brand.

Hazard: The blades can weaken or break during use while making frozen beverages. A broken blade presents a risk of injury if taken into the mouth or swallowed.

Incidents/Injuries: Applica Consumer Products Inc. has received reports of 18 incidents of broken blades associated with this problem. No injuries have been reported.

Description: The recall includes Black & Decker® brand ProBlend® models BL5000, BL5900 and BL6000. The recalled ProBlend® products are 5-speed, 550-watt blenders with 48-ounce marked glass jars. Each model has a die-cast, brushed stainless steel base bearing the name "Black & Decker." The model number is located on the bottom of the product.

Sold at: Retailers nationwide from December 2003 to January 2005 for between $40 and $60.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the product immediately and contact Applica Consumer Products Inc. to receive a free replacement blade assembly.

Consumer Contact: Call Applica Consumer Products Inc. toll-free at (800) 385-6686 between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or visit the firm's Web site at www.regcen.com/blenderrecall