WPS recalls Vellux Fahrenheit blankets

WEST POINT, GA — WestPoint Stevens is recalling about 8,000 Vellux Fahrenheit heated blankets after receiving complaints from 10 consumers about blanket over-heating and scorching, including four from consumers who reported receiving minor burns.

WestPoint said, "The reported incidents appear to have occurred mostly when the blanket was folded or crumpled back on itself, causing the heating elements to overheat. In two instances, the connector box at the foot of the blanket appears to have overheated. Of the approximately 8,000 blankets that are being recalled, about 600 were sold in Canada."

Vellux Fahrenheit blankets were sold from July 2002 to February 2003 to a roster of stores, including Bloomingdale's; the JCPenney Internet catalog; Linens 'n Things; Rich's; Sears; the QVC network; and, in Canada, by mail order from Sears.

WestPoint said, "Owners of the blanket should discontinue using the product when it is connected to an electrical outlet."

Consumers whose names and addresses are known because they ordered the blankets from QVC, the Internet or mail-order channels are receiving letters from WestPoint notifying them of the recall.

Blanket owners are being asked to send the blankets back to WestPoint. The company said it will provide a postage-paid shipping container to facilitate the recall and will provide a full refund, as well as a $25 gift, to each consumer.