CPSC And Chadwick-Miller, Inc., Announce Electric Defroster Recall

WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 1) -- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) today announced that Chadwick-Miller, Inc., Canton, Massachusetts, has voluntarily stopped sale and distribution and is recalling their electrical refrigerator defrosters.

Engineering tests conducted by the Commission indicate that the product contains several possible defects capable of causing electric shock to users and/or ignition of the cord. One minor burn injury associated with this defroster has been reported to the Commission.

The majority of the units were sold through mail order companies including Holiday Gifts, Foster & Gallagher, White Industries, Hanover House, Sunset House, Jay Norris and Foster Trent and retailed for approximately $5.99. Approximately 23,600 units have been sold over the last two years.

The small, portable refrigerator defroster consists of a sheathed heating element housed inside a circular aluminum cage, approximately 6 l/4 inches in diameter and 3 inches deep with a 5-inch black plastic handle. The gold warning label is located on the handle stating: "Warning: Refrigerator must be checked every 2 or 3 minutes while defroster is in use. Do Not place defroster on or near plastic surfaces." The unit sits on three black plastic legs. A separate 4-foot cord set is included. The packaging box is labeled with the name Chadwick and the Model No. 73359.

Consumers are urged to immediately cease use of the product. To obtain a full refund for the unit, including postage costs, mail the product to the mail order company where purchased. Consumers should not send the unit directly to Chadwick-Miller, Inc.

Recall information on this product is available by calling the Consumer Product Safety Cammission's toll-free Hotline at 800/638-2772, or by contacting Chadwick-Miller, Pequot Industrial Park, 300 Turnpike Street, Canton, Massachusetts 02021, 617/828-8300.