CPSC, WestPoint Stevens Inc. Announce Recall of Electric Blankets
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: Electric Blankets
Units: 11,000
manufactured.
Manufacturer: WestPoint Stevens Inc., of West Point,
Ga.
Hazard: When the blanket is folded, the heating element can
overheat, causing the heating element and blanket to melt. This poses the risk
of thermal burns to consumers.
Incidents/Injuries: WestPoint has
received 10 reports of the blankets overheating, including four reports of minor
skin burns.
Description: The Vellux ® fahrenheit™ blankets were
sold in various colors and sizes to fit all mattress sizes. The temperature
controller is white with the words, "WESTPOINT STEVENS" and "fahrenheit Heated
Blanket" printed on the front. The recall includes blankets manufactured from
July 2002 through January 2003. The manufacture date is printed on a label sewn
into the seam.
Sold at: Department stores, mail order catalogs and
Web sites sold the blankets nationwide from July 2002 through April 2003 for
between $80 and $130.
Manufactured in:
U.S.A.
Remedy: WestPoint Stevens will provide consumers
postage-free return packaging to return the product, a full refund and $25 to
compensate consumers for the inconvenience.
Consumer Contact:
Call WestPoint Stevens Inc. toll-free at (888) 439- 4794 anytime, or go to the
firm's Web site at
http://www.westpointstevens.com
Firm's
Media Contact: Toni Cauble at (706) 645-4879.