CPSC, WestPoint Stevens Inc. Announce Recall of Electric Blankets
CPSC recall 03114 · announced April 24, 2003 · Westpoint Stevens · 11,000 units affected
The product
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.
The 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.
What to do (per CPSC)
The firm is no longer in business. For information, contact WestPoint Home at 866-643-4735.
Notes
Incidents (per CPSC): WestPoint has received 10 reports of the blankets overheating, including four reports of minor skin burns.
Sold at: Department stores, mail order catalogs and Web sites sold the blankets nationwide, from July 2002 through April 2003, for between $80 and $130.
Consumer contact: For information, contact WestPoint Home at 866-643-4735.
Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission public recall data. This page reports official records and is not legal, medical, or repair advice.