A small kitchen appliance and bulk packages of hamburger are the targets of two recalls, according to releases issued over the weekend.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced this weekend a voluntary recall of Hamilton Beach® classic chrome two-slice toasters.
According to the release, the recall includes approximately 14,000 toasters due to the possible fire hazard the product poses. When the toasters are first plugged into an outlet, the heating element can be energized, although the toaster lifter is in the “up” or “off” position, the release cited. The electrical charge could pose a fire hazard if the toaster is near a flammable object.
The company said it has received five reports thus far of toasters being energized when first plugged into an outlet, but there have been no reports of injuries or property damage. The recall is for toasters with a model number of 22602, which is printed on the bottom of the toaster.
The toaster is described as chrome steel in color with a front control panel with a rotary toast shade selector and function buttons arranged in an arc and a front removable crumb tray.
The toasters were sold at department, grocery and home center stores across the nation from August until November of this year. The price range is between $19 and $34. The CPSC reports some of the toasters were also sent to consumers as replacements for model 22600 toasters recalled in June 2011.
Consumers are asked to stop using the product immediately and contact the company at (800) 576-6600 to receive instructions on how to obtain a free replacement toaster.
In similar news, a nationwide recall of approximately 40,948 pounds of ground beef products for possible E. coli O157:H7 contamination was announced by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Services (FSIS) Monday morning. According to the release, Tyson Fresh Meats Inc., of Dakota City, Neb., is recalling 10-pound chubs of “CHUCK FINE GROUND BEEF 80/20,” which were reportedly packed in cases containing eight chubs.
The products subject to recall have a “BEST BEFORE OR FREEZE BY” date of Nov. 13, 2011 and “EST. 245C” on the box label.
The release also notes the products were shipped to distributors in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, West Virginia and Wisconsin.
The company and FSIS claim there have no reports of illnesses associated with consumption of the product.
E. coli O157:H7 is a bacterium that causes bloody diarrhea, dehydration and in the most severe cases, kidney failure. Those more susceptible to food borne illness include very young children, seniors and people with weak immune systems.
People with questions regarding the recall are asked to contact the company at (866) 3238-3156.

WCP 12.20.11