Biddeford recalls faulty blankets

By Staff -- Home Textiles Today, 10/24/2001 12:00:00 AM

Biddeford, ME — Already teetering on the brink and hobbled by a recent bankruptcy, Biddeford Textile Corp. has launched a voluntary recall of 394,000 electric blankets due to a faulty plug that connects the blanket to the control device, posing a fire hazard.

Cooperating with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Biddeford began the recall earlier this month after receiving 34 reports of the automatic blankets overheating, melting and scorching.

No injuries or property damage, other than to the blankets, were reported, according to the CPSC.

The blankets had been sold at such retailers as Kohl's, Target, Sears Canada, Belk Stores, Pamida, Proffitt's/McRae's, Strouds as well as WestPoint Stevens and Springs outlet stores from August 1999 through July 2001. The blankets had also been sold through direct-mail retailers including JCPenney, Sears Canada, Blair Corp., Fingerhut and Popular Club.

The CPSC said the automatic blankets were sold under the model names Controlled Comfort, EH2000, Starbright, Staywarm, Supreme 21, Warm Comfort and had serial numbers A001A to C210C. The name "Biddeford Textile Corp.," along with the blanket's model name and its serial number, are printed on a label near where the control switch is plugged in.

The CPSC, in an advisory, said, "Consumers should stop using the electric blankets immediately" and contact Biddeford. A free replacement plug connector adaptor is available from the company by calling Biddeford at (877) 217-6294, or by visiting Biddeford's web site at www.blanketrecall.com. Consumers should not return the blanket to Biddeford, said the CPSC.