The U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) filed a lawsuit in federal court on the 22nd, accusing two Chinese companies of manufacturing and selling immersion heaters with serious safety hazards, commonly known as “Quick Heat”, and seeking a court order under the Consumer Product Safety Act to mandate a recall of the products to prevent further harm to consumers.
The two companies being sued are Cixi Miaojie Electric Appliance Co., Ltd. and Changsha Jiayi Tianzhuo Trade Co., Ltd.
Prosecutors pointed out that both companies sold immersion heaters under the “Lakkzoom” brand to American consumers, and that the product posed an “imminent hazard”.
The Department of Justice stated that the product could overheat and catch fire within minutes of being plugged in, potentially leading to severe fire and bodily harm risks for users.
Up to now, the Consumer Product Safety Commission has received 235 accident reports related to product fires and has investigated multiple fire incidents. Commission tests have also confirmed that under specific conditions, the product could ignite and burn within minutes.
Peter Feldman, Acting Chairman of the CPSC, noted that this is the first time since 1987 that the Commission has exercised its authority under Section 12 of the Consumer Product Safety Act regarding “imminent hazards”, demonstrating the government’s commitment to promptly address products that endanger consumer safety using the legal tools conferred by Congress.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche stated that the purpose of this lawsuit is to swiftly remove the dangerous products from the market through an emergency recall ordered by the court, ensuring the safety of American consumers.