Common but defective household products can cause serious and painful burn injuries. The company owning Crock-Pot recently recalled almost one million pressure cookers because of a potential burn risk from lids that suddenly detached. At least 99 consumers suffered personal injury from this product.
Detached lids
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said that its Nov. 24 recall only governs the Crock-Pot 6-Quart Express Crock Multi-Cookers that were manufactured between July 2017 and Oct. 2018. All other products manufactured by SunBeam Products, the owner of Crock-Pot, are safe to use and not covered by the recall.
The CPSC, in its Nov. 24 statement, said that recalled Crock-Pot multi-cooker can pressurize if its lid is not fully locked. This can make the lid suddenly detach while the multi-cooker is being used. When this occurs, consumers may receive burns from hot foods and liquids that were thrown out of the product.
SunBeam received 119 lid detachment reports. These included 99 burn injuries which ranged from first degree to third degree burns, according to the CPSC.
In an online statement, Crock-Pot said that it rigorously and routinely tests all its products for compliance with established industry standards. But it pointed out the lids of select 6-Quart Express Crock Multi-Cookers can detach if the owner’s manual is not followed.
Recall and changes
Affected customers should not use this product in its pressure cooker mode. CPSC, however, said that the product may be used for slow cooking and sauteing.
Customers can find out whether the recall covers their crock-pot by looking at the product number on the bottom of the unit and the date code embossed at the base of the electronic plug’s prongs. The CPSC advised consumers who purchased this recalled product to contact Crock-pot immediately for a free replacement lid.
Crock Pot said that it will update its replacement with new iconography, quick reference instructions and design changes that will not allow the product from starting unless the lid is locked correctly. These changes are intended to prevent common misuse of the product such as starting even though the lid is unlocked, according to the company.
Burn victims may be entitled to compensation if a defective product or other negligence caused their injury. An attorney can help them pursue a lawsuit for compensation and damages.