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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 13, 2005 Release # 05-085

Wal-Mart Recall Hotline: (888) 293-3343 CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

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: GE Oval and Double Dish Slow Cookers

Units: 600,000

Importer: Hamilton Beach/Proctor-Silex Inc., of Glen Allen, Va.

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

Hazard: The handles on the base of the slow cookers can break, posing a risk of burns from hot food spilling onto consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: Hamilton Beach and Wal-Mart have received 531 reports of handles breaking, including four reports of consumers who were burned by hot food.

Description: The recalled slow cookers include the 4.5-Quart Oval and 6-Quart Double Dish models sold under the General Electric (GE) brand name. The model name is printed on the front of the units. The 4.5-quart unit has model number 106661 and the 6-quart unit has model number 106851. Both models have series codes A through D, which are printed on the bottom along with the model number. The base of the slow cookers is white with an olive or honeysuckle graphic.

Sold exclusively at: Wal-Mart stores nationwide from August 2000 through December 2002 for about $25 (4.5-quart model) and $35 (6-quart model).

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the product immediately and contact Wal-Mart to receive a replacement slow cooker base.

Consumer Contact: Call the Wal-Mart Slow Cooker Recall Hotline toll-free at (888) 293-3343 anytime or go to www.walmart.com