CPSC Warns Of Scald And/Or Burn Injuries With Gemco Whistler Tea Kettle

Washington, D.C. -- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in cooperation with GEMCO Ware, Inc., Freeport, New York, today warned consumers of a possible hazard associated with the use of the Whistler Glass Tea Kettle manufactured by GEMCO Ware, Inc.

The product is an 8-cup glass tea kettle with a plastic collar and handle. Imprinted on the front of the glass tea kettle is "The Whistler." If the tea kettle is placed off center over a high flame on a gas range, it may cause the plastic handle to soften and as a result the collar may loosen and dislodge from the glass tea kettle. If the kettle is then lifted, boiling water could splash on the user and result in scalds or burns.

The CPSC is aware of some 33 incidents resulting from handle failure where the handle softened and detached from the glass tea kettle. Sixteen scald or minor burn injuries have been reported. GEMCO has manufactured in excess of 1 million units each year since 1977.

The company has redesigned the handle of The Whistler Tea Kettle. The new model will have a stainless steel collar.

To avoid injury, consumers should observe the following precautions:

1. Boil on low or medium flame only.

2. Pot should be placed on center of burner.

3. Always make sure that there is water in the pot when it is being heated. Never allow it to boil dry.

4. On open electric element use a trivet.

In addition, consumers are urged to follow all of the manufacturer's warnings imprinted on the pot and on the enclosed labels.

If you have one of these pots and the handle shows signs of deformation, discontinue use of the pot and discard it.

No other GEMCO glass tea kettles or other products are involved.

Information concerning this matter may be obtained from GEMCO Ware Inc., One Gemco Plaza, Freeport, New York 11520, Telephone 516-623-9300 and is available to consumers on CPSC's toll free hotline at 800-638-CPSC. A teletypewriter number of hearing impaired is 800-638-8270.