Note: Company is out of business. Please destroy or discard product.

Alcan's Brasilian Unit Recalling Faulty Pressure Cookers

Washington, D.C.--The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Alcan Aluminio Do Brasil, S.A., the Brasilian subsidiary of Alcan Aluminum Limited of Montreal, announced that approximately 300,000 pressure cookers distributed in the United States and Puerto Rico between 1977 and 1983 were being recalled.

Approximately 240,000 of the pressure cookers were marketed in Puerto Rico and the rest were distributed in the Continental United States, primarily in Spanish-speaking areas of New York, Newark, New Jersey, Tampa and Miami, Florida.

The pressure cookers were recalled because of a faulty gasket which allows the pots to be opened while still containing pressure. Continued use of the pressure cookers could result in physical injury to the users. Alcan is aware of two incidents involving this pressure cooker which resulted in scald type injuries.

The pressure cookers are marketed under the company's "Rochedo" brand name and they can be identified by the stamp "'A Product of Alcan Aluminio do Brasil" on the bottom of the pot.

Consumers should stop using the product and discard or destroy it. The company is out of business and cannot be contacted. Any pressure cooker with a "U.L. Approved" stamped on the bottom is not affected.

Information concerning this matter is also available to consumers on CPSC's toll-free Hotline at 800-638-CPSC. A teletypewriter number for the hearing impaired is 800-638-8270.