ECN Forum Forums Safety Discussion and News Safety News and Product Recalls Recall of Electric Blankets

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announces the following recall in voluntary cooperation with the firm below. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of product:
Electric Blankets

Units:
11,000 manufactured.

Manufacturer:
WestPoint Stevens Inc., of West Point, Ga.

Hazard:
When the blanket is folded, the heating element can overheat, causing the heating element and blanket to melt. This poses the risk of thermal burns to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries:
WestPoint has received 10 reports of the blankets overheating, including four reports of minor skin burns.

Description:
The Vellux ® fahrenheit™ blankets were sold in various colors and sizes to fit all mattress sizes. The temperature controller is white with the words, "WESTPOINT STEVENS" and "fahrenheit Heated Blanket" printed on the front. The recall includes blankets manufactured from July 2002 through January 2003. The manufacture date is printed on a label sewn into the seam.