For Immediate Release
February 7, 2002
Release # 02-099
CPSC Contact: Scott Wolfson (301) 504-0580 Ext. 1189
Applica Recall Hotline: (866) 264-9230
Applica Media Contact: Chris Mitchell (203) 926-3000 Ext. 3412
CPSC, Applica Consumer Products Inc. Announce Recall of Black & Decker
Brand VersaToastTM Toasters
WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety
Commission (CPSC), Applica Consumer Products Inc., of Miami Lakes, Fla.,
is voluntarily recalling about 2.1 million VersaToast wide-slot
toasters. Applica made and sold these toasters under the Black & Decker
brand. The heating element in these toasters can continue to operate
after use, posing a fire hazard.
CPSC and Applica are aware of nine reports of fires associated
with these toasters after a period of non-use, resulting in minor
property damage to kitchen cabinets. One minor injury was reported to
the firm, but it has not been confirmed and is under investigation.
The recall includes both two-slice and four-slice Black & Decker
brand VersaToast wide-slot toasters. "BLACK & DECKER," "VersaToast"
and "WIDE SLOT" are written on the side of the toaster near the cooking
controls. The toasters have either white or black plastic enclosures.
They have model number T1200, T1250, T1400 or T1450 written on the
bottom of the toaster.
Discount department stores, including Wal-Mart, Service
Merchandise, Kohl's Department Stores and Bradlees, sold the toasters
nationwide from June 1999 through January 2002. The two-slice toasters
sold for between $10 and $20. The four-slice toasters sold for between
$18 and $30.
Consumers should unplug and stop using these recalled toasters
immediately. For more information on receiving a refund, consumers
should call Applica Consumer Products Inc. toll-free at (866) 264-9230
anytime, or go to the firm's web site at www.householdproductsinc.com