Recall Of "Mr. Coffee" Announced

WASHINGTON, D. C. (May 5) -- The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), and North American Systems, Inc., manufacturer of the "Mr. Coffee" coffemaker, announced today that North American has initiated a voluntary recall to modify 3.1 million of its machines, manufactured from July through December 1975, and distributed nationwide, which the staff of CPSC believes might pose a potential shock and/or fire hazard.

The company emphasized that out of the total number of machines subject to modification, only a relatively small number may pose a hazard. North American Systems, Inc. stated it is taking this voluntary action in order to cooperate with CPSC.

"Mr. Coffee" coffeemakers subject to the modification are identifiable by a letter and a two-digit number etched into the upper right-hand portion of the outside of the back cover plate. Only those machines bearing the letters "G", "H", "I", "J", "K', and "L", and the number "75" are affected. (For example, "G-75".)

The company asks that consumers examine their machines for these markings, and, if their machines fall into this group, that they write to P.O. Box 22132, Cleveland, Ohio 44122, supplying their name, address, telephone number and the code number of the machine. The company will maintain records of the names, addresses, and phone numbers of these consumers and, will promptly contact them and inform them where to take their machines for free modification.

Pending modification of these machines, the company recommends that owners follow these important safety instructions:

1 - Do not leave the machine unattended while in use.

2 - Be sure to unplug the machine when it is not in use.

3 - Turn off the brewing switch when the brewing cycle is completed and turn off the warming switch when the coffee is no longer being kept warm.

4 - Do not tamper with or attempt to adjust the machine. The machine should be serviced only by an authorized "Mr. Coffee" service center.

The voluntary corrective action plan has been accepted by the Commission.

In a related action the Commission has provisionally accepted $25,000 to settle an alleged timeliness violation.

The company asks that consumers examine their machines for these markings, and, if their machines fall into this group, that they write to P.O. Box 22132, Cleveland, Ohio 44122, supplying their name, address, telephone number and the code number of the machine. The company will maintain records of the names, addresses, and phone numbers of these consumers and, will promptly contact them and inform them where to take their machines for free modification.