The Recall Desk
CriticalCPSC·89027·Announced 1989-04-06

Vendo Soft Drink Vending Machines Recalled for Tip-Over Hazard

Vendo is retrofitting approximately 115,000 soft drink vending machines to prevent tip-over injuries and deaths caused by consumers rocking the units.

What this means for you

Highest-severity recall. Risk of serious injury or death is documented or strongly suspected. Stop using the product now and follow the agency's instructions.

Our severity reasoning: The source text explicitly states that there have been reports of an increasing number of deaths and injuries involving the tip-over of these vending machines. Per the rubric, the presence of reported deaths mandates a score of 5.

Plain-English summary

The Vendo Company of Fresno, California, has initiated a voluntary retrofit program for Vendo soft drink vending machines. This action is taken in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to address a hazard where machines can tip over, posing a risk of serious injury or death to consumers.

The recall affects approximately 115,000 Vendo soft drink vending machines manufactured between 1982 and 1985. These specific units have widths in excess of 38.5 inches and were produced without anti-theft devices. CPSC reports that an increasing number of deaths and injuries have occurred in recent years when consumers tilt, shake, or rock these machines in an attempt to obtain free products or retrieve money.

To mitigate this risk, Vendo is mailing anti-theft kits and installation instructions to bottling company customers. These devices prevent the dispensing of free products when the machines are tipped or rocked. Vendo has also provided warning labels designed specifically for the retrofitted machines. The public may contact Vendo at (209) 439-1770 for information regarding the retrofit program.

The recalled product

Product
Vendo soft drink vending machines
Manufacturer
Vendo
Category
Consumer Product — Vending Machines
Hazard

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Related recalls

Same hazard · tip over

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