CPSC, American Harvest Inc. Announce Food Dehydrator Recall

WASHINGTON, D.C.- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), American Harvest Inc. of Chaska, Minn., is announcing a repair program for 56,843 food dehydrators. The heating element in the food dehydrators can overheat, presenting a fire hazard.

American Harvest is aware of three recent incidents in which the heating element overheated. CPSC and American Harvest are not aware of any injuries involving this product.

The recall program involves three Snackmaster models: 2200/FD-30, 2400/FD-50, and 2400T/FD-50T. The serial numbers on the bottom of the base of the recalled appliances have the first two digits 59 with B, C, D, F, G, H or J as the third digit, and ZB, ZC, ZD, ZF or ZH as the fourth and fifth digits. The recall also includes Snackmaster dehydrators with white or cream colored base covers that have been serviced since October 1994. The Snackmaster Jr. FD-20, and Gardenmaster FD-1000 are not affected by this recall.

The round, white plastic appliances measure 13 inches in diameter with a two-inch thick base and a white plastic lid. The base is labeled "American Harvest Snackmaster Dehydrator." The base is stacked with two or four 1.25-inch deep trays with holes in the center. Each tray contains a white plastic screen on which fruit, vegetables, or meat can be dried. The Model FD-30 is packaged with 2 trays and the Model FD-50 and the Model FD- 50T are packaged with 4 trays. The FD-30 and the FD-50 have a gray plastic dial on the base which adjusts to various temperatures. The FD-50T has a digital read-out panel on the base with green rubber buttons for setting drying times and temperatures.

The dehydrators were sold nationwide at leading retailers between January and August 1995 for up to $110. They were packaged in a box labelled in part, "American Harvest Snackmaster Dehydrator... As seen on TV... Fastest Most Even Drying... Made in USA..."

To promote consumer participation in this product repair program, the company will return each repaired food dehydrator with 2 free Jerky spice packets. In addition, each repaired unit will have its warranty extended for an additional 12 months.

Consumers with the recalled food dehydrators should stop using them and call American Harvest at (800) 624-2949. American Harvest will help consumers determine whether their Snackmaster is a part of this recall and will arrange to repair the unit by replacing its base cover for free.