#USA #Washington #CPSC #Gourmia Pressure Cookers #burn hazard

CPSC Issues Urgent Warning on Gourmia Pressure Cookers

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued an urgent alert asking consumers to cease using Gourmia Pressure Cookers immediately due to significant burn risks. This important safety notification comes after numerous reports of burn injuries linked to the product, predominantly sold at Best Buy.

The Hazards

Gourmia Pressure Cookers can pose severe dangers if the lid opens while the appliance is pressurized, causing hot contents to spray dangerously outwards. The incidents reported so far include at least five reported cases resulting in severe second-degree burns to users. Disturbingly, the float valve situated within the handle of these cookers is designed to rise when under pressure, but its positioning can prevent users from noticing whether it's safe to open the lid. This flaw gives consumers a false sense of security, leading them to operate the cooker when it is still pressurized.

Moreover, misprinted volume markings inside the cooking pot exacerbate the safety risks. Incorrect capacity measurements can lead to overfilling the pot, resulting in hot food and liquids being expelled at alarming pressures during the cooking process or when using the quick-release method.

Manufacturer's Responsibility

The Steelstone Group, LLC, operating under the Gourmia brand and based in Brooklyn, New York, is the importer of these pressure cookers. Despite the CPSC's findings, both the importer and major retailer Best Buy have declined to collaborate on a satisfactory recall strategy to mitigate the associated hazards. This lack of action leaves consumers at grave risk, prompting serious concerns regarding product safety standards and the accountability of manufacturers.

Sales Information

An estimated 43,500 units of these pressure cookers were sold between 2017 and 2020, with prices ranging from $50 to $80 across various platforms, including Best Buy and other retail outlets. The cookers feature a six-quart cooking chamber, a stainless steel and black plastic finish, and a digital display, making them desirable for home cooks looking for convenience in meal preparation.

What Consumers Should Do

In light of these dangers, consumers are strongly advised to stop using the Gourmia Pressure Cookers and safely dispose of them. The CPSC recommends not selling or gifting these hazardous products to others. Individuals who have experienced injuries or have information about malfunctions should report these instances to the CPSC at www.SaferProducts.gov.

The CPSC’s mission is to protect the public from unreasonable risks associated with various consumer products, emphasizing the importance of swift action in the face of potential dangers. For further updates or assistance, consumers can visit the CPSC website or their hotline.

Conclusion

The growing number of reported injuries linked to Gourmia Pressure Cookers highlights the critical need for consumer awareness and manufacturer responsibility. It serves as a reminder that even trusted cooking appliances can present hidden dangers if proper precautions are not taken. Awareness and timely responses are vital in ensuring kitchen safety for all users.