Recall: Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. Recall of Slow Cookers

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Originally issued June 15, 2004, Revised February 10, 2005 Release # 04-159

Wal-Mart Phone Number: (800) 925-6278 CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Note: Phone number change.

CPSC, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. Announce Recall of Slow Cookers

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: General Electric Cool Touch Slow Cooker

Units: 146,000

Manufacturer: Select Brands Inc., of Lenexa, Kan.

Distributor: Wal-Mart Stores Inc., of Bentonville, Ark.

Hazard: The heating element can drop to the bottom of the slow cooker and melt through the plastic outer shell, posing a burn hazard to users.

Incidents/Injuries: Wal-Mart has received 27 reports of scorched or damaged countertops, though no injuries have been reported.

Description: The recalled General Electric (GE) Cool Touch 6 Quart Slow Cooker has a removable blue ceramic bowl with a glass lid. The enclosure that surrounds the ceramic bowl is made of plastic. The GE logo is located on the front of the unit underneath the temperature control knob. The model number 168945 is located on a silver label on the bottom of the base.

Sold exclusively at: Wal-Mart stores nationwide from June 2003 through May 2004 for about $28.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using product and return the slow cooker to Wal-Mart for a full refund.

Consumer Contact: Call Wal-Mart at (800) 925-6278 7:00 am through 9:00 pm Central Time, Monday through Friday or log on to www.gehousewares.com