WestPoint Stevens Inc. Recall of Electric Blankets
NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 24, 2003
Release # 03-114
Company Phone Number: (888) 439-4794
CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908
CPSC, WestPoint Stevens Inc. Announce 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.
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.
Manufactured in: U.S.A.
Remedy: WestPoint Stevens will provide consumers postage-free return
packaging to return the product, a full refund and $25 to compensate
consumers for the inconvenience.
Consumer Contact: Call WestPoint Stevens Inc. toll-free at (888) 439-
4794 anytime, or go to the firm's Web site at www.westpointstevens.com
Firm's Media Contact: Toni Cauble at (706) 645-4879.
