Ultimate Chopper™ food processor
CPSC Recall #05-258 — September 6, 2005
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 05-258 |
| Recall Date | September 6, 2005 |
| Remedy Type | Inspect, Replace |
| Units Affected | About 1.5 million |
| Manufactured In | China |
Where It Was Sold
| The Ultimate Chopper™ has been marketed and distributed through television infomercial sales |
| the firm's Web site |
| and various retailers nationwide from March 2002 through July 2005 for about $40. |
Product
Ultimate Chopper™ food processor
Description
The Ultimate Chopper is a compact, single-speed food processor that can also function as a blender when an optional attachment is used with the base. The product is comprised of a white base unit with a 600-watt motor (750 watts peak power), a plastic blade assembly that contains two stainless steel blades, a chopping bowl, and a clear, interlocking lid. The name "Ultimate Chopper" is stamped on the product's base. The optional blender attachment is sold separately.
Hazard
The interlocking lid assembly on the appliance can malfunction, allowing the food processor to be operated when the lid is off. This can result in a laceration or fingertip amputation hazard if consumers insert their hands into the food processor.
Incidents & Injuries
CPSC and Ultimate Chopper LLC have received 17 reports of injuries resulting from a failure of the interlocking lid assembly or the blade assembly breaking. Five of those injured required stitches or surgery, and the remaining 12 consumers received cuts or scratches.
Remedy Instructions
Consumers should immediately inspect their Ultimate Chopper food processor to determine if the interlocking lid is functioning properly. Consumers should remove the lid and blade assembly and test to see if the unit will operate without the lid on. If the unit turns on when the lid is removed, consumers should stop using it immediately and contact Ultimate Chopper LLC to receive a free replacement unit. Also, if blade assemblies are worn, damaged or broken for any reason, consumers should stop using the unit and contact the company to receive a free replacement blade assembly. Consumers also can access an instructional video demonstrating how to inspect their Ultimate Chopper at http://demo.ultimatechopper.com.
What Should You Do?
Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Inspect, Replace at no charge. If you experienced an injury, report it at SaferProducts.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
Follow the consumer action instructions in the recall notice above. Most recalls require you to stop using the product and contact the manufacturer directly — either by calling the toll-free number listed in the official CPSC notice or by visiting the manufacturer's website. You generally do not need a receipt or original packaging to claim a remedy. The manufacturer is legally required to provide the remedy (Inspect, Replace) at no cost to you.
Furniture tip-overs are a leading cause of pediatric injuries in the U.S., particularly dressers, bookcases, and television stands. CPSC data shows that a child dies approximately every two weeks from a furniture or TV tip-over. Unstable high chairs, baby swings, and bouncers are also frequent recall subjects due to fall risks. ASTM International standards now require that certain furniture must meet tip-over resistance standards, and CPSC has been actively pursuing mandatory requirements for dressers and chests. If you have furniture that was not recalled but feels unstable, wall-anchoring kits are widely available at hardware stores.
In most cases, no. CPSC-coordinated recall remedies are designed to be accessible without proof of purchase. Manufacturers typically ask consumers to self-certify ownership and may ask for photos of the product or its serial number. Some manufacturers request that you mail in a portion of the product (such as a cut cord or removed component) as proof of disposal. Check the specific remedy instructions for this recall for exact requirements. If you registered your product at the time of purchase, the process is usually even simpler.
If the original manufacturer has gone out of business, the recall remedy may no longer be available through them. In this case, contact CPSC directly at 1-800-638-2772 or cpsc.gov for guidance. If the brand was acquired by another company, the acquiring company may have assumed recall obligations. In some cases where a remedy is unavailable, CPSC advises consumers to safely dispose of the product. If you were injured by the product of a defunct company, consult a product liability attorney — parent companies, distributors, and retailers may still bear liability in some circumstances.