Two Recalls Issued that Could Affect Your Family

Yesterday (June 3rd) two major recalls were issued by manufacturers that may affect you, your house, or your children. We here at Perenich The Law Firm want to make sure that you are kept aware of potential safety risks so that you may take the appropriate measures to remove the potentially dangerous objects.

Maytag issued a recall of 1.7 million dishwashers it has produced over the last 4 years. It has received 12 reports that there have been electrical failures in the heating element of their machines, and has led to fires and damages in consumers’ homes. The Associated Press published this description of the machines affected:

The recall includes Maytag, Amana, Jenn-Air, Admiral, Magic Chef, Performa by Maytag and Crosley brand dishwashers with plastic tubs. The recalled dishwashers were made with black, bisque, white, silver and stainless steel front panels and sold at department and appliance stores nationwide from February 2006 through April 2010. They cost between $250 and $900.

A complete list of the models and serial numbers affected can be found at this website.

McDonald’s has issued a recall of their own regarding the popular “Shrek”-themed glasses that they have been selling to promote the recently released movie. The glasses were found to contain small amounts of Cadmium, a known carcinogen, in the paint on the sides. Over 12 million of the glasses have been produced and sold, and Justin Pritchard of the Associated Press has this report on the potential dangers of the paint:

The (U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission) noted in its recall notice that “long-term exposure to cadmium can cause adverse health effects.” Cadmium is a known carcinogen that research shows also can cause bone softening and severe kidney problems.

In the case of the Shrek-themed glassware, the potential danger would be long-term exposure to low levels of cadmium, which could leach from the paint onto a child’s hand, then enter the body if the child puts that unwashed hand to his or her mouth.

Please check your household for such items and take the appropriate steps listed by the companies to turn in the products. Product safety is a continuing issue that should always be monitored, and our skilled team of Tampa Bay personal injury lawyers at Perenich The Law Firm can assist you in instances where a defective product has injured you or hurt one of your loved ones.

UPDATE (6/11): McDonald’s is now offering a $3 rebate for glasses that are returned to their stores. See additional details here.