Salton Inc. Recalls Electric Toasters Due to Fire Hazard

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

Name of Product: Electric Toasters

Units: About 12,000

Distributor: Salton Inc., of Lake Forest, Ill.

Hazard: The toaster can turn on without bread in the slots and ignite items placed on top of it, posing a fire hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: None.

Description: This recall involves the chrome two-slice electric toasters sold under the following brands: Farberware (model # FCT200 or FCT100), Hoffritz (model # HZT2 and HZT2M), and Russell Hobbs (model #RH2MT). The brand name and model number are printed on a plate located on the underside of the toaster.

Sold by: Online and retail liquidators nationwide from January 2000 through December 2007 for between $40 and $50.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the toaster immediately, unplug it, and cut off the power cord where it enters the body of the toaster. Consumers who return the power cord in the prepaid envelope that will be provided will receive a full refund.

Consumer Contact: Contact Salton at (800) 233-9054 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm’s Web site at www.esalton.com

Note: About 13,000 toasters of similar model were recalled by QVC in December 2007.