The ACCC has revealed that only 10 per cent of the 400,000 electric blankets recalled since 2010 have been returned for a replacement or refund. Over this 4-year period, Aldi, Sunbeam, Big W (twice), Kmart and Gerard Sourcing & Manufacturing (Linda) instituted recalls.
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This startling statistic was released as the ACCC tries to encourage consumers to check that if their electric blankets have been subject to a recall.
“As the weather cools off, people are starting to look through their closets for last year’s winter warmers but what they may not realise is that some items have been recalled due to safety hazards,” said ACCC deputy chair Delia Rickard.
“Of particular concern is the low return rate of recalled electric blankets. Over 400,000 unsafe electric blankets recalled since 2010, many due to the risk of fire hazards or electrocution but only 10 per cent have been returned by consumers for refund or remedy.”
Retailers can assist consumers by being up-to-date on which blankets have been recalled. Here is our relevant stories from each of those recalls:
Aldi recalls faulty electric blankets due to fire risk
Recalled Sunbeam electric blankets just a precaution, no injuries reported, claims CEO
Big W recalls Abode electric blankets
Linda electric blankets recalled due to risk of fire
And here is our most recent look at the Australian Electric Blanket market:
Sunbeam and Kambrook hoping for cold weather to heat up the Electric Blankets market