A quarter-million General Electric food processors sold only at Walmart stores are being recalled because of two defects that have started fires and caused consumers to get cut, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said.
The Chinese-made food processors sold between September 2009 and February 2011 for about $50 have led to complaints from dozens of consumers about the product’s hazards.
Walmart told the CPSC that it had received 58 reports of incidents involving the food processors. Among them, two dozen reports of the food processors operating without the cover in place and the spinning blade exposed — something that should never happen. That defect led to at least 21 injuries, the CPSC said.
On top of that, 34 consumers reports the units smoking, including three that caught fire.
Federal law requires companies to report a product defect to the government after first learning of a potentially serious hazard.
The recalled 14-cup food processors were sold under the GE brand, have a digital display, are black with stainless trim and have model number 169203 printed on the bottom.
If you have one of these food processors, stop using it immediately. Walmart said it will issue a full refund at any Walmart store.
For more information, call Walmart at (877) 207-0923 weekdays between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Eastern Time.
