The following information is reprinted from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, at the request of the Alachua County Fire Marshal.
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: Chest Freezers
Units: About 67,500
Importer: Haier America Trading LLC, New York, N.Y.
Hazard: A capacitor in the freezer's circuitry can overheat, posing a fire hazard.
Incidents/Injuries: Haier America and CPSC have received reports of 18 incidents, including four reports of fires with minor property damage, consisting of smoke damage, damage to a wall, and food spoilage. There have been no reports of injuries.
Description: This recall involves the Black & Decker(r) Model BFE53 and Haier(r) Model ESNCM053E 5.3 cubic foot capacity white chest freezers. "Black & Decker" is printed at the front upper-right corner or "Haier" is printed on the front upper-left corner of the freezer. "Black & Decker" or "Haier," the model number, the unit's serial number and other information are printed on a rating label at the top center of the back of the freezer. Only Model BFE53 and Model ESNCM053E freezers with serial numbers beginning as follows are included in this recall:
Beginning of Serial Number on Rating Label: 1001, 1002, 1003, 1004, 1005, 1006, 1007
Sold at: Black & Decker Model BFE53 was sold exclusively at Wal-Mart nationwide from January 2010 through September 2010, for about $150. Haier Model ESNCM053E was sold through Amazon.com and other retailers from May 2010 through October 2010 for between $220 to $290.
Manufactured in: China
Remedy: Consumers should immediately unplug their freezer and contact the company to schedule an appointment for a free repair to the freezer.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, call the company toll-free at (877) 878-7579 between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET Saturdays and from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET Sundays or visit the firm's website at www.chestfreezerrecall.com