Baitcatcher

CPSC Recall #76-035 - June 1, 1976

Recall Summary

Recall Number76-035
Recall DateJune 1, 1976
Remedy TypeRefund
Units AffectedApproximately 6,000

Product

Baitcatcher

Description

WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 2) - - Terrann Industries, Inc., producers of the "Baitcatcher," an electric worm probe, today announced in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission that the company has suspended sale and is conducting a total recall of approximately 6,000 "Baitcatchers" sold since the commencement of marketing in 1975. The probe consists of a partially insulated metal rod and an on-off switch, attached to which is a plug and a cord. The worm probe uses electric current to bring worms to the surface. The recall is the result of an agreement between Terrann and the Consumer Product Safety Commission which states that the product may present a substantial risk of electric shock to users. Owners should discontinue use of the probe and promptly return it to the place of purchase or to Terrann Industries, Inc., 17204 McFadden, Tustin, California 92680. The Company will modify the existing product model to incorporate additional safety features specified by the Commission. John Schommer, Vice President and Marketing Director of Terrann, requested that individuals who have purchased the "Baitcatcher" return it to the distributor or retailer from whom they purchased the device, and indicated that they would receive either a refund of their purchase money or a receipt which can be exchanged for the safely modified "Model II Baitcatcher" which is expected to be in production within the next thirty to sixty days. This agreement between Terrann and the Staff of the Consumer Product Safety Commission is for settlement purposes only, and does not constitute an admission that Terrann has violated any provisions or requirements of any of the laws administered by the Commission or any regulations promulgated pursuant to said laws.

Hazard

The probe consists of a partially insulated metal rod and an on-off switch, attached to which is a plug and a cord. The worm probe uses electric current to bring worms to the surface. The product may present a substantial risk of electric shock to users.

Remedy Instructions

Owners should discontinue use of the probe and promptly return it to the place of purchase or to Terrann Industries, Inc.

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.

No, you should stop using the product entirely, not just unplug it. Electric shock and fire hazards in recalled electrical products often involve internal wiring defects, faulty components, or insulation failures that can cause harm even after the product has been off for a period of time. Do not attempt to repair the product yourself. Keep it unplugged and stored safely until you receive the manufacturer's remedy. If the product has already shown signs of overheating, sparking, or discoloration, handle it carefully and consider contacting your local fire department for guidance on safe disposal.

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.