Atico International USA Recalls Personal Blenders Due to Laceration Hazard

Atico International USA Recalls Personal Blenders Due to Laceration Hazard NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 7, 2008 Release #08-361 Firm's Recall Hotline: (877) 546-4835 CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908 Atico International USA Recalls Personal Blenders Due to Laceration 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. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product. Name of Product: Signature Gourmet™ and Crofton® Personal Blenders Units: About 124,000 Importers: Atico International USA Inc., of Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (for the Crofton® model) and East West Distributing Co., of Deerfield Ill. (for the Signature Gourmet™ model) Hazard: While placing the cup on or off the base of the blender, the blender can be inadvertently turned on, activating the blade. This can pose a serious laceration hazard to consumers. Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received 14 reports of lacerations, including 11 that required medical treatment and stitches. Description: This recall involves the Signature Gourmet™ (item number W14A3691) and the Crofton® (model number SB-19) personal blenders. The blenders are white and have 3 components parts - a base containing a power button, a blade assembly, and a blending cup. Signature Gourmet™ or Crofton® is printed on the front of the base of the unit. “SB-19” or “W14A3691” is located on a label at the bottom of the unit. Sold at: The Signature Gourmet™ blenders were sold at Walgreens stores nationwide from July 2006 through March 2008 for about $16. The Crofton® blenders were sold at Aldi stores nationwide from May 2007 through March 2008 for about $13. Manufactured in: China Remedy: Consumers should stop using the recalled blenders immediately and call Atico International USA for instructions on returning the product for a full refund. Consumer Contact: Consumers should call Atico International USA toll-free at (877) 546-4835 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the company’s website at www.aticousa.com