Recall: Magnalite Professional Saucepans Recalled by General Housewares Corp.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 17, 1987
Release # 87-018

General Housewares Corporation Recalls Magnalite Professional Saucepans Due to Possible Burn Hazard

WASHINGTON, DC -- In cooperations with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, General Housewares Corp., Stamford, Connecticut, today announced a voluntary recall of one, two and three-quart Magnalite Professional saucepans that have covers that fit too tightly. If too much pressure accumulates due to a tight fit, the cover may explode from the saucepan or the cover may become difficult to remove.

General Housewares Corp., has been advised of nine such incidents, six of which reportedly involved burn injuries and two of which reportedly involved property damage.

The saucepans that are being voluntarily recalled are any that were produced between September 1984 and July 1985 that have covers that fit too tightly on the saucepan. The saucepans and covers are cast from aluminum ingot.

The saucepans are dark grey in color and the word MAGNALITE is impressed on the bottom of the saucepan. The cover and handle have an aluminum metallic shine, which contrasts with the saucepan. The sauce pans sold for a price between $54.00 - $80.00 and were sold in better department stores and gourmet cookware shops.

Consumers can test for any overly tight fit by placing the pan on a stable surface, putting the cover on the pan and pushing down firmly. If the saucepan can be lifted by the cover to any degree, the cover is b too tight. The tight fit may not be evident on the first attempt of testing. If not, repeat the test several times but rotate the cover each time to a different point of contact on the saucepan.

Another test is to place the cover firmly on the saucepan and gradually turn it 360 degrees in one direction. If the cover rubs closely against the saucepan and locks in place at some point while turning, the cover on the saucepan is too tight.

Since July 1985 General Housewares has employed new quality control measures to safeguard against the possibility of a particular cover being too tight for a particular saucepan.

General Housewares is accepting returns of saucepans and tight- fitting covers under the l00-year warranty offered on this product. The cover and saucepan can be returned to: Consumer Relations Department, General Housewares Corp., 1536 Beech Street, Terre Haute, Indiana 47804. The saucepan and cover will be replaced without charge. General House- wares will bear shipping costs.

Anyone wishing additional information may call General Housewares Corp., at 800-457-2665 or the Consumer Product Safety Commission toll- free hotline number at 800-638-CPSC. The teletypewriter number for the hearing impaired is (301) 595-7054.