Recall: Gas Ranges Recalled by White Consolidated Industries

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DECEMBER 11, 1997 Release # 98-042

Company Phone Number: (800) 724-7519 CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: Ken Giles, (301) 504-7052

CPSC, White Consolidated Industries Announce Recall of Gas Ranges

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), White Consolidated Industries Inc. of Cleveland, Ohio, is recalling about 23,000 gas ranges to repair their oven burner assemblies. The oven burner assemblies could have been damaged during shipment or delivery. A damaged oven burner assembly can allow gas to flow into the home, which could cause a fire or an explosion.

White Consolidated Industries has received 14 reports of gas leaks linked to damaged burner assemblies. There have been no reports of fire or explosion and no injuries have been reported.

The oven burner assemblies involved in this recall are installed in Frigidaire, Tappan, White-Westinghouse and Gibson gas ranges that feature a pilotless ignition, but do not have a self-clean cycle. The gas ranges involved in this recall have 10 digit model numbers and 10 digit serial numbers. These numbers are located either under the range top cover on the left wall or in the oven or broiler drawer on the right side.

Major department and appliance stores nationwide sold the gas ranges from June 1997 to October 1997 for between $200 and $450.

Consumers should stop using the gas range oven immediately. White Consolidated Industries has arranged for Frigidaire to service these gas ranges. Consumers should call Frigidaire at (800) 724-7519 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. EST Monday through Friday to schedule an inspection, service and repair of the gas range free of charge. Consumers also can write to Frigidaire at 6000 Perimeter Drive, Dublin, OH 43017.

If consumers smell gas or hear a gas leak, they should immediately turn off the oven, open a window or door and call the gas company.