EKCO 12-inch skillets

CPSC Recall #98-133 — June 24, 1998

Recall Summary

Recall Number98-133
Recall DateJune 24, 1998
Remedy TypeRefund
Units AffectedAbout 16,800
Manufactured InChina

Where It Was Sold

Kmart stores nationwide sold the Eterna skillets from April through May 1998 for about $30. Walmart stores nationwide sold the Endura skillets from September 1997 through May 1998 for about $26.

Product

EKCO 12-inch skillets

Description

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), EKCO Housewares Inc., of Franklin Park, Ill., is voluntarily recalling about 16,800 12-inch skillets. The skillets' handle could bend or break and cause the skillets' hot contents to spill onto consumers, creating a risk of injury. CPSC and EKCO are not aware of any injuries involving these skillets. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury. There are two types of skillets being recalled: Eterna 12-inch stainless steel skillets and Endura 12-inch non-stick stainless steel skillets. The EKCO Eterna 12-inch stainless steel skillets have the following identification embossed on the bottom of each pan, "EKCO Eterna, EKCO Housewares, Inc., 18/10 Stainless Steel, Made in China." The EKCO Endura 12-inch non-stick stainless steel skillets have the following identification embossed on the bottom of each pan, "EKCO Housewares, Inc., 18/10 Stainless Steel, Made in China." Kmart stores nationwide sold the Eterna skillets from April through May 1998 for about $30. Walmart stores nationwide sold the Endura skillets from September 1997 through May 1998 for about $26. Consumers should stop using the skillets immediately and return them to the store where purchased for a refund. For more information about the Eterna skillets sold at Kmart, consumers should call EKCO toll-free at (800) 999-3436 anytime. For more information about the Endura skillets sold at Walmart, consumers should call EKCO toll-free at (800) 999-3436 anytime.

Incidents & Injuries

CPSC and EKCO are not aware of any injuries involving these skillets.

Remedy Instructions

Consumers should stop using the skillets immediately and return them to the store where purchased for a refund.

What Should You Do?

Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Refund 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 (Refund) at no cost to you.

Yes. If you were injured by a defective consumer product — whether recalled or not — you may have grounds for a product liability claim against the manufacturer and potentially the retailer. A recall notice can serve as evidence that the manufacturer was aware of the defect. Injuries that may support a claim include burns, lacerations, fractures, electric shock, choking incidents, and chemical exposure. Most product liability attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless you win. Consult an attorney promptly, as statutes of limitation vary by state.

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.