Recall: World Kitchen Inc. Recall of Immersion Heaters

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 10, 2005
Release #06-028
Firm's Recall Hotline: (800) 853-6567
CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908


CPSC, World Kitchen Inc. Announce Recall of Immersion Heaters

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Immersion Heaters

Units: About 472,000

Distributor: World Kitchen Inc., of Reston, Va.

Manufacturer: Chun Tai Electric Heater Company, of Taiwan

Hazard: Moisture in the heating element could cause corrosion over time, presenting a shock hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: World Kitchen Inc. has received two reports of short circuits. No injuries have been reported.

Description: The immersion heaters are portable chrome-plated steel heaters with a white plastic handle and mug hook used for warming tea, coffee, soup, or other liquids. "IMMERSION HEATER," and "MADE IN TAIWAN" are embossed on the white plastic handle of these heaters. Some products were sold under the EKCO brand and others were sold with no brand.

Sold at: Mass retailers, hardware and grocery stores nationwide from January 1999 through August 2005 for between $5 and $6.

Manufactured In: Taiwan

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the product and contact World Kitchen for a refund.

Consumer Contact: Contact World Kitchen at (800) 853-6567 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's Web site at www.worldkitchen.com


Picture of Recalled Immersion Heater