Hamilton Beach/Proctor-Silex, Inc., Provisional Acceptance of a Settlement Agreement and Order, 17418-17420 [05-6659]

Agencies

• Consumer Product Safety Commission

[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 65 (Wednesday, April 6, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Pages 17418-17420]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-6659]


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CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION

[CPSC Docket No. 05-C0007]


Hamilton Beach/Proctor-Silex, Inc., Provisional Acceptance of a 
Settlement Agreement and Order

AGENCY: Consumer Product Safety Commission.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: It is the policy of the Commission to publish settlements 
which it provisionally accepts under the Consumer Product Safety Act in 
the Federal Register in accordance with the terms of 16 CFR 1118.20(e). 
Published below is a provisionally-accepted Settlement Agreement with 
Hamilton Beach/Proctor-Silex, Inc., containing a civil penalty of 
$1,200,000.00.

DATES: Any interested person may ask the Commission not to accept this 
agreement or otherwise comment on its contents by filing a written 
request with the Office of the Secretary by April 21, 2005.

ADDRESSES: Persons wishing to comment on this Settlement Agreement 
should send written comments to the Comment 05-C0007, Office of the 
Secretary, Consumer Product Safety Commission, Washington, DC 20207.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Andrea S. Paterson, Trial Attorney, 
Office of Compliance, Consumer Product Safety Commission, Washington, 
DC 20207; telephone (301) 504-7615.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The text of the Agreement and Order appears 
below.

    Dated: March 30, 2005.
Todd A. Stevenson,
Secretary.

Settlement Agreement and Order

    1. Hamilton Beach/Proctor-Silex, Inc. (hereinafter ``HB/PS'' or 
``Respondent'') enters into this Settlement Agreement and Order 
(hereinafter, ``Settlement Agreement'' or ``Agreement'') with the staff 
of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (the ``Commission''), 
and agrees to the entry of the attached Order incorporated by reference 
herein. The Settlement Agreement resolves the Commission staff's 
allegations set forth below.

I. The Parties

    2. The Commission is an independent federal regulatory commission 
responsible for the enforcement of the Consumer Product Safety Act 
(``CPSA''), 15 U.S.C. 2051-2084.
    3. HB/PS is headquartered in Glen Allen, Virginia, and incorporated 
in Delaware.

II. Staff Allegations

    4. In the last five years, HB/PS has failed to report in a timely 
manner concerning three separate products: countertop toasters, juice 
extractors, and slow cookers, in violation of section 15(b) of the 
CPSA, 15 U.S.C. 2064(b).
    5. Each of these products was sold to and/or used by consumers in 
or around a permanent or temporary household or residence, a school, in 
recreation, or otherwise and was, therefore, a ``consumer product'' as 
defined in section 3(a)(1) of the CPSA, 15 U.S.C. 2052(a)(1). 
Furthermore, HB/PS was an importer and, therefore, was a 
``manufacturer'' of these toasters, juice extractors, and slow cookers, 
for distribution in ``commerce,'' as those terms are defined in 
sections 3(a)(4) and (12) of the CPSA, 15 U.S.C. 2052(a)(4), (12).

A. The Countertop Toasters

    6. HB/PS imported and distributed model 24205 and 24208 countertop 
toasters (the ``subject toasters'' or ``toasters'') from April 1997 
through September 1999. These toasters were manufactured for HB/PS by 
Durable Electrical Metal Factory, Ltd., in China. These traditional 
upright electric toasters had four extra-wide slots that could toast 
either bagels or bread. On the front of the toasters was a bread lifter 
for raising or lowering the food, as well as a control dial, numbered 
1-6, which consumers used to adjust the degree of toasting. The model 
24205 was white, and model 24208 was black and chrome. Both models had 
the name ``Proctor-Silex'' in grey letters on the front panel.
    7. The subject toasters were defective because their heating 
elements could remain on after the food in the toaster ``popped up,'' 
which should have caused the heating element to

[[Page 17419]]

disengage. As a result, the toaster could set afire its contents.
    8. Between 1997 and 1999, HB/PS learned of three consumer reports 
of damage to kitchen cabinets or countertops due to fires and received 
over 230 consumer complaints involving toasters that may have failed to 
turn off. The company also knew of product changes to attempt to 
correct the problem.
    9. Before reporting the subject toasters to the Commission on 
November 9, 1999, HB/PS had obtained information which reasonably 
supported the conclusion that the subject toasters contained a defect 
which could create a substantial product hazard or created an 
unreasonable risk of serious injury.
    10. Respondent failed to report to the Commission in a timely 
manner, as required by section 15(b) of the CPSA, 15 U.S.C. 2064(b). In 
doing so, HB/PS violated section 19(a)(4) of the CPSA, 15 U.S.C. 
2068(a)(4).
    11. Respondent committed this failure to report to the Commission 
``knowingly'' as that term is defined in section 20(d) of the CPSA, 15 
U.S.C. 2069(d), subjecting Respondent to civil penalties under section 
20 of the CPSA, 15 U.S.C. 2069.

B. The Juice Extractors

    12. HB/PS imported and distributed juice extractor models 67150, 
67180, 67180W, 67199, 395WS and 3920JS (the ``subject extractors'' or 
``juice extractors'') between 1992 and October 2001. Simatelex 
Manufacturing Company, Ltd. (1991 to 1995) and Join-One Enterprise Co. 
Ltd. (1996 to 2001) manufactured these juice extractors for HB/PS. All 
of the juice extractors consisted of the same basic pieces: a base, a 
strainer basket (consisting of a strainer and a metal cutter), a top 
cover with a food chute (through which the food to be juiced was fed 
with a pusher), a juice cup, and a refuse pulp bin. The juicer bases, 
constructed of white plastic with the name ``Hamilton Beach'' on the 
side, housed the juicer motors, ranging from 140-150 watts (Simatelex) 
to 300-350 watts (Join-One).
    13. The subject juice extractors contained a defect that could 
cause the strainer basket and lid to break apart, posing a risk of 
injury to nearby consumers who could be struck by pieces of metal or 
plastic.
    14. Between 1992 and 2001, HB/PS received 59 consumer complaints 
related to the alleged defect. Consumer reports of injuries included 
four consumers who received lacerations requiring stitches and five 
consumers alleging possible eye injuries.
    15. Before reporting the subject juice extractors to the Commission 
on October 8, 2001, HB/PS had obtained information which reasonably 
supported the conclusion that the subject juice extractors contained a 
defect which could create a substantial product hazard or created an 
unreasonable risk of serious injury.
    16. Respondent failed to report to the Commission in a timely 
manner, as required by section 15(b) of the CPSA, 15 U.S.C. 2064(b). In 
doing so, HB/PS violated section 19(a)(4) of the CPSA, 15 U.S.C. 
2068(a)(4).
    17. Respondent committed this failure to report to the Commission 
``knowingly'' as that term is defined in section 20(d) of the CPSA, 15 
U.S.C. 2069(d), subjecting Respondent to civil penalties under section 
20 of the CPSA, 15 U.S.C. 2069.

C. The Slow Cookers

    18. HB/PS imported and distributed slow cooker models 33390, 33475, 
33575, 33590, 33675, 33690, 33725, 33850, 33860, 33680, 33320, 33320FD, 
33325, 33375, 33380, 33625A, 106661, and 106851 (the ``subject slow 
cookers'' or ``slow cookers'') from January 1999 through December 2002. 
These slow cookers were manufactured for HB/PS by Huamei Electronics 
Co., Ltd., in China. These slow cookers shared the same basic elements: 
a cooker base with a heating element and handles, a ceramic inset where 
the food to be cooked was placed, and a tight-fitting lid. Most of the 
subject slow cookers were sold under the ``Hamilton Beach'' or 
``Proctor Silex'' names, with the brand name printed on the particular 
unit's front. They were round or oval, were solid white or had various 
print designs on the outside, and had 3.5 quart to 6.5 quart 
capacities.
    19. The subject slow cookers were defective because their handles 
could crack and break off when the product was lifted. This defect 
posed a risk of burns from hot food spilling onto consumers.
    20. Between 1999 and 2001, HB/PS received over 2000 complaints of 
cracked or broken slow cooker handles, including two reports of 
consumers who required medical attention for injuries, as well as 
information regarding product changes to attempt to address the problem 
of handles breaking.
    21. Before February 4, 2002, when HB/PS first shared incident and 
other data on the slow cookers with the staff, HB/PS had obtained 
information which reasonably supported the conclusion that the subject 
slow cookers contained a defect which could create a substantial 
product hazard or created an unreasonable risk of serious injury.
    22. Respondent failed to report to the Commission in a timely 
manner, as required by section 15(b) of the CPSA, 15 U.S.C. 2064(b). In 
doing so, Respondent violated section 19(a)(4) of the CPSA, 15 U.S.C. 
2068(a)(4).
    23. Respondent committed this failure to report to the Commission 
``knowingly'' as that term is defined in section 20(d) of the CPSA, 15 
U.S.C. 2069(d), subjecting Respondent to civil penalties under section 
20 of the CPSA, 15 U.S.C. 2069.

III. Response of HB/PS

    24. HB/PS contests and denies the staff's allegations set forth 
above in this Settlement Agreement. HB/PS enters into this Settlement 
Agreement and Order to resolve this claim without the expense and 
distraction of litigation. By agreeing to this settlement, HB/PS does 
not admit any of the allegations set forth above in this Settlement 
Agreement, or any fault, liability or statutory or regulatory 
violation.
    25. HB/PS, voluntarily and without the Commission having requested 
information from HB/PS, notified the Commission in each of the matters 
described above. In addition, HB/PS voluntarily recalled each of the 
products in cooperation with the Commission.
    26. At all times HB/PS closely monitored its reporting obligations 
under the Consumer Product Safety Act. HB/PS never knowingly failed to 
file a required report with the Commission. HB/PS has continued to 
improve its efforts to meet its reporting obligations under the CPSA.

IV. Agreement of the Parties

    27. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has jurisdiction over 
this matter and over Respondent under the Consumer Product Safety Act, 
15 U.S.C. Sec. Sec.  2051-2084.
    28. Respondent agrees to be bound by and comply with this 
Settlement Agreement and Order.
    29. This Agreement is entered into for settlement purposes only and 
does not constitute an admission by Respondent or a determination by 
the Commission that Respondent knowingly violated the VPSA's reporting 
requirements, or a finding of fact or law by the CPSC of any of the 
allegations in this Settlement Agreement.
    30. In settlement of the staff's allegations, Respondent agrees to 
pay a civil penalty of one million, two hundred thousand and 00/100 
dollars ($1,200,000), in full settlement of this matter, and payable 
within twenty (20) calendar days of receiving services of

[[Page 17420]]

the final Settlement Agreement and Order.
    31. Upon final acceptance of this Agreement by the Commission and 
issuance of the Final Order, Respondent knowingly, voluntarily, and 
completely waives any rights it may have in this matter (1) to an 
administrative hearing, (2) to judicial review or other challenge or 
contest of the validity of the Commission's actions, (3) to a 
determination by the Commission as to whether Respondent failed to 
comply with CPSA and the underlying regulations, (4) to a statement of 
findings of fact and conclusions of law and (5) to any claims under the 
Equal Access to Justice Act.
    32. Upon provisional acceptance of this Agreement by the 
Commission, this Agreement shall be placed on the public record and 
shall be published in the Federal Register in accordance with the 
procedures set forth in 16 CFR 1118.20(e). If the Commission does not 
receive any written obligations within 15 days, the Agreement will be 
deemed finally accepted on the 16th day after the date it is published 
in the Federal Register.
    33. The Commission may publicize the terms of this Settlement 
Agreement and Order upon provisional acceptance of this Agreement by 
the Commission.
    34. HB/PS's full and timely payment to the United States Treasury 
of a civil penalty in the amount of one million two hundred thousand 
dollars ($1,200,000) resolves the allegations in paragraphs 4-23 above 
with respect to (a) HB/PS, (b) any HB/PS parent, subsidiary, affiliate, 
division, or related entity; (c) any shareholder, director, officer, 
employee, agent or attorney of any entity referenced in (a) or (b) 
above; and (d) any successor, heir, or assign of any entity referenced 
in (a), (b), or (c) above.
    35. The Commission's Order in this matter is issued under the 
provisions of the CPSA, 15 U.S.C. 2051-2084. Violation of this Order 
may subject Respondent to appropriate legal action.
    36. This Settlement Agreement may be used in interpreting the 
Order. Agreements, understandings, representations, or interpretations 
apart from those contained in this Settlement Agreement and Order may 
not be used to vary or contradict its terms.
    37. The provisions of this Settlement Agreement and Order shall 
apply to Respondent, its parent, and each of their successors and 
assigns.

    Dated: March 24, 2005.

Hamilton Beach/Proctor-Silex, Inc.

Kathleen Diller.

Eric A. Rubel,

Respondent's Attorney.

    Dated: March 28, 2005.

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

John Gibson Mullan,
Director, Office of Compliance.

Eric L. Stone,
Director, Legal Division, Office of Compliance.

Andrea S. Paterson,
Trial Attorney, Legal Division, Office of Compliance.

Order

    Upon consideration of the Settlement Agreement between Respondent 
Hamilton Beach/Proctor-Silex, Inc., and the staff of the Consumer 
Product Safety Commission, and the Commission having jurisdiction over 
the subject matter and over Hamilton Beach/Proctor-Silex, Inc., and it 
appearing that the Settlement Agreement and Order is in the public 
interest, it is Ordered that the Settlement Agreement be, and hereby 
is, accepted and it is Further ordered that Hamilton Beach/Proctor-
Silex, Inc., shall pay the United States Treasury a civil penalty in 
the amount of one million, two-hundred thousand and 00/100 dollars 
($1,200,000.00), payable within twenty (20) days of the service of the 
Final Order upon Hamilton Beach/Proctor-Silex, Inc. Upon the failure of 
Hamilton Beach/Proctor-Silex, Inc., to make payment or upon the making 
of a late payment by Respondent (a) the entire amount of the civil 
penalty shall be due and payable, and (b) interest on the outstanding 
balance shall accrue and paid at the federal legal rate of interest 
under the provisions of 28 U.S.C. 1961(a) and (b).
    Provisionally accepted and Provisional Order issued on the 30th day 
of March 2005.

    By order of the Commission.

Todd A. Stevenson,
Secretary, Consumer Product Safety Commission.

    Finally accepted and Final Order issued on the ----day of 2005.

    By order of the Commission.

Todd A. Stevenson,
Secretary, Consumer Product Safety Commission.

[FR Doc. 05-6659 Filed 4-5-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6355-01-M