Key Takeaway
CPSC, Appliance Manufacturers Announce Voluntary Recall Initiative for Old Chest Freezers - A Deadly Play Area for Children by The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) and its refrigerator/freezer manufacturing members was recalled on October 24, 2000. What to do: Consumers should properly dispose of these non-working freezers immediately or disable the latch, if disposal is impossible. Even if a consumer has a...
CPSC, Appliance Manufacturers Announce Voluntary Recall Initiative for Old Chest Freezers - A Deadly Play Area for Children
Description
The freezers that are part of this program were made before 1970 by more than 40 manufacturers, a number of whom do not exist today. Consumers can determine if their chest freezer poses a hazard by trying to open the freezer without using the handle. If the freezer can be opened by pulling up on sides of the lid, it is not a hazard. If the lid only opens by using the handle, it needs to be properly disposed of or disabled. Up to 9 million chest freezers were manufactured between 1945 and 1970 before voluntary safety standards went into effect, allowing freezers to be opened from the inside. The freezers that are part of this program were made before 1970 by more than 40 manufacturers, a number of whom do not exist today. Consumers can determine if their chest freezer poses a hazard by trying to open the freezer without using the handle. If the freezer can be opened by pulling up on sides of the lid, it is not a hazard. If the lid only opens by using the handle, it needs to be properly disposed of or disabled.
Injuries / Consequence
Tragically, 27 children have died from suffocation between 1980 and 1999 after becoming trapped in the freezers. The deaths occurred in non-working freezers stored outside, in basements or garages. Victims ranged in age from two to fourteen. In many cases, more than one child suffocated inside the freezer.
Remedy
Consumers should properly dispose of these non-working freezers immediately or disable the latch, if disposal is impossible. Even if a consumer has a pre-1970 chest freezer that is working, they should still call the toll-free number to get information on what to do, when the freezer is no longer working.
Products Affected
Chest freezers
FreezersImages
Company Information
The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) and its refrigerator/freezer manufacturing members
Unknown location
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is this recall still active?
Check the status badge at the top of this page. "Ongoing" means the recall is still active and you should follow the remedy instructions. "Completed" or "Terminated" means the recall process has concluded, though the safety issue remains relevant for any unrepaired products.
How do I check if my product is affected?
Compare the model number, lot code, serial number, or date range listed in the recall notice with the information on your product's label or packaging. For vehicles, check your VIN at NHTSA.gov/Recalls.
What remedy is available for this recall?
The listed remedy for this recall is: Consumers should properly dispose of these non-working freezers immediately or disable the latch, if disposal is impossible. Even if a consumer has a pre-1970 chest freezer that is working, they shoul...
Where can I find the original recall notice?
This recall was issued by CPSC. You can view the original notice using the link provided above.