CPSC And West Bend Announce Breadmaker Recall

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the West Bend Company of West Bend, Wis., is announcing a repair program for 425,000 Automatic Bread & Dough Makers. The breadmakers can overheat, presenting a fire hazard.

West Bend is aware of three recent incidents in which a faulty circuit board of the control panel overheated and caught fire. Neither CPSC nor West Bend is aware of any injuries.

However, consumers should stop using the recalled breadmakers and call West Bend at (800) 367-0111 between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. central time. West Bend will provide free pickup and repair of the breadmakers. And, each repaired unit will have its warranty extended for an additional 12 months.

This recall program involves all models of West Bend Automatic Bread & Dough Makers manufactured between June 1, 1994 and April 9, 1995. Consumers can verify if they own one of these West Bend Bread & Dough Makers by checking the five- or six-digit manufacture date stamp, which includes the month, date and year of production, attached to the back of the unit.

The box-shaped breadmakers mix, knead and bake breads. The breadmakers are made of either white metal with a white plastic lid or black metal with a black plastic lid. The part of the lid with the control panel is labeled in part "Automatic Bread & Dough Maker... West Bend...."

The units were sold nationwide and in Canada at leading retailers such as Wal-Mart, Target, and Sam's Club. The twelve models involved in this program had suggested retail prices of up to $300.00.

The action taken by West Bend to notify CPSC of the bread makers' potential fire hazard was acknowledged by Ann Brown, CPSC Chairman. "The corporate responsibility demonstrated by West Bend in initiating this repair program and seeking CPSC's cooperation is a good example of industry working voluntarily with government to provide safer products."

For additional information, please contact Debra Kumm, The West Bend Company, at(414) 334-6909.