The Recall Desk
Our severity:SevereCPSC·06222·Announced 2006-08-02

Robertshaw Recalls Gas Safety Controls in Commercial Cooking Appliances

Robertshaw Controls is recalling FS Flame Switches and FM Automatic Safety Valves installed in commercial cooking equipment due to a risk of gas explosion and fire.

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 4/5 (Severe).

The hazard poses a serious risk of illness, injury, or structural failure. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a structural defect in gas safety controls that poses a risk of gas explosion and fire, and the source text reports one incident resulting in two minor injuries, meeting the criteria for a Severe rating.

Plain-English summary

Robertshaw Controls Co. is recalling approximately 7,800 FS Flame Switches and FM Automatic Safety Valves that were installed in natural and liquid propane gas commercial cooking equipment, including ranges, pasta cookers, deep fat fryers, and griddles. The recalled controls are designed to prevent gas from flowing when the pilot light is out; however, the defective units can remain on after the pilot light is extinguished, allowing gas to continue flowing to the main burner.

This defect poses a risk of gas explosion and fire. Robertshaw Controls has received one report of a gas ignition incident resulting in two minor injuries. The FS Flame Switches were installed on equipment from brands including Keating, PMI Food Equipment Group, Vulcan, Southbend, Blodgett, Toastmaster, and Wolf Range. The FM Automatic Safety Valves were installed on equipment from Bari, Southbend, and Blodgett.

These products were distributed to commercial food service providers nationwide from August 2005 through June 2006 for the FS Flame Switches and from April 2006 through June 2006 for the FM Automatic Safety Valves. Consumers who had cooking equipment installed or serviced before August 2005 are not affected. Consumers who believe they have the recalled safety valves should contact Robertshaw Controls Co. to arrange for a free replacement if necessary. If gas is smelled near the appliance, individuals should immediately leave the area and call the gas company or a certified gas technician.

The recalled product

Product
Robertshaw FS Flame Switches and FM Automatic Safety Valves (installed in commercial cooking appliances)
Manufacturer
Robertshaw Controls Co., of West Plains, Mo.
Category
Consumer Product — Commercial Kitchen Equipment
Hazard
Affected units
7,800

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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