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Black & Decker Wide-Slot Toasters

WASHINGTON, Feb. 7, 2002 -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Applica Consumer Products Inc. is voluntarily recalling about 2.1 million "VersaToast" wide-slot toasters. Applica made and sold these toasters under the Black & Decker brand. The heating element in the toasters can continue to operate after use, posing a fire hazard.

CPSC and Applica are aware of nine reports of fires associated with these toasters after a period of non-use, resulting in minor property damage to kitchen cabinets. One minor injury was reported to the firm, but it has not been confirmed and is under investigation.

The recall includes both two-slice and four-slice Black & Decker brand VersaToast wide-slot toasters. "Black & Decker," "VersaToast" and "WIDE SLOT" are written on the side of the toaster near the cooking controls. The toasters have either white or black plastic enclosures. They have model number T1200, T1250, T1400 or T1450 written on the bottom of the toaster.

Discount department stores, including Wal-Mart, Service Merchandise, Kohl's Department Stores and Bradlees, sold the toasters nationwide from June 1999 through January 2002. The two-slice toasters sold for between $10 and $20. The four-slice toasters sold for between $18 and $30.

Consumers should unplug and stop using these recalled toasters immediately. For more information on receiving a refund, consumers should call Applica Consumer Products Inc. toll-free at (866) 264-9230 anytime, or go to the firm's web site at www.householdproductsinc.com.

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