Regal food processors, Model LM2 (La Machine II), LM3 (La Machine III), LM5 (La Machine V), and J...
CPSC Recall #89-069 - July 17, 1989
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 89-069 |
| Recall Date | July 17, 1989 |
| Remedy Type | Replace |
| Units Affected | 1.4 million |
Product
Regal food processors, Model LM2 (La Machine II), LM3 (La Machine III), LM5 (La Machine V), and J.C. Penney model 8330
Description
Washington, DC. -- Consumers with certain Moulinex and Moulinex La Machine food processors are being asked by Regal Appliance Inc., of Virginia Beach, Virginia to replace their plastic bowl covers to reduce chances of a possible laceration hazard when the processor is being used. An initial product recall in August, 1986 resulted in the replacement of almost 30,000 bowl covers, the company said. Five additional laceration incidents have been reported to Regal in the past two years. Regal said there is a possibility that some of the bowl covers on 1.4 million machines manufactured during the period of 1980 through June, 1984 may override the safety interlock system. Should this occur, the food processor may operate without the bowl cover in place. This could cause severe lacerations to the hands and fingers, even partial amputation, if the consumer were to push the "on" button while their hand was in the bowl and in contact with the processor's cutting blades. Regal said the problem may exist on four food processors. Model LM2 (La Machine II), LM3 (La Machine III), LM5 (La Machine V), and J.C. Penney model 8330. These models have been sold nationwide by a variety of retailers and by J.C. Penney stores since March 1980 at prices ranging from $50 to $100. With La Machine models, consumers will find the model number stamped on the base of the appliance as well as a date code from 010380 to 080684. The six digit date code is in the day, month and year sequence. La Machine food processors date stamped after June 8, 1984 (080684) are not subject to the cover recall. With J.C. Penney food processors, model number 8330 is stamped on the base of the appliance. The date code extends from C003 to C406, with the first digit after the "C" reflecting the year, and the last two digits the month of production. J.C. Penney food processors date stamped after June, 1984 (C406) are not subject to the cover recall. Consumers having any of the above food processors should discontinue using their appliance until a replacement bowl cover is received. The original bowl cover should be discarded immediately. To receive a replacement cover, consumers should write Bowl Cover Replacement Program, Regal Ware, Inc., 1675 Reigle Drive, Kewaskum, Wisconsin 53040-0395. The consumer letter should include the model and the date code numbers of the appliance. It is not necessary to return the cover or the appliance. A replacement bowl cover will be sent free of charge, as well as a warning instruction sheet to accompany the existing owner's manual.
Hazard
Some of the bowl covers may override the safety interlock system, allowing the food processor to operate without the bowl cover in place. This could cause severe lacerations to the hands and fingers, even partial amputation, if the consumer were to push the "on" button while their hand was in the bowl and in contact with the processor's cutting blades.
Incidents & Injuries
Five additional laceration incidents have been reported to Regal in the past two years since the initial recall.
Remedy Instructions
Consumers having any of the above food processors should discontinue using their appliance until a replacement bowl cover is received. The original bowl cover should be discarded immediately. A replacement bowl cover will be sent free of charge, as well as a warning instruction sheet to accompany the existing owner's manual. To receive a replacement cover, consumers should write Bowl Cover Replacement Program, Regal Ware, Inc., 1675 Reigle Drive, Kewaskum, Wisconsin 53040-0395.
What Should You Do?
Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a 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 (Replace) 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.