Recall: Ultimate Chopper LLC Recall to Inspect and Replace Food Processors
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 7, 2005 Release #05-258 |
Firm's Hotline: (800) 819-6297 CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908 |
CPSC, Ultimate Chopper LLC Announce Recall to Inspect and Replace Food Processors
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: Ultimate Chopper™ food processor
Units: About 1.5 million
Distributor: Ultimate Chopper LLC, of Los Angeles, Calif.
Hazard: The interlocking lid assembly on the appliance can malfunction, allowing the food processor to be operated when the lid is off. This can result in a laceration or finger tip amputation hazard if consumers insert their hands into the food processor.
Incidents/Injuries: CPSC and Ultimate Chopper LLC have received 17 reports of injuries resulting from a failure of the interlocking lid assembly or the blade assembly breaking. Five of those injured required stitches or surgery, and the remaining 12 consumers received cuts or scratches.
Description: The Ultimate Chopper is a compact, single-speed food processor that can also function as a blender when an optional attachment is used with the base. The product is comprised of a white base unit with a 600 watt motor (750 watts peak power), a plastic blade assembly that contains two stainless steel blades, a chopping bowl, and a clear, interlocking lid. The name "Ultimate Chopper" is stamped on the product's base. The optional blender attachment is sold separately.
Sold at: The Ultimate Chopper™ has been marketed and distributed through television infomercial sales, the firm's Web site, and various retailers nationwide from March 2002 through July 2005 for about $40.
Manufactured in: China
Remedy: Consumers should immediately inspect their Ultimate Chopper food processor to determine if the interlocking lid is functioning properly. Consumers should remove the lid and blade assembly and test to see if the unit will operate without the lid on. If the unit turns on when the lid is removed, consumers should stop using it immediately and contact Ultimate Chopper LLC to receive a free replacement unit. Also, if blade assemblies are worn, damaged or broken for any reason, consumers should stop using the unit and contact the company to receive a free replacement blade assembly. Consumers also can access an instructional video demonstrating how to inspect their Ultimate Chopper at http://demo.ultimatechopper.com
Consumer Contact: Call Ultimate Chopper LLC toll-free at (800) 819-6297 between 6 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's Web site at www.ultimatechopper.com
