Beko Gas Cookers Safety Issues
Beko plc started to notify consumers of a potentially serious risk relating to certain models of its Beko, Leisure and Flavel gas cookers that have a separate oven and grill in March this year, having been made aware that six cases of carbon monoxide poisoning are being investigated which are or may be connected to the incorrect use of this type of cooker.
All the above products are approved to the latest UK and European safety regulations and when the cookers are used in accordance with the user instructions i.e. grilling with the grill door open, the products are perfectly safe.
The problem identified with this type of (double cavity) cooker is that if the grill door is closed when grilling, sufficient oxygen is not able to flow into the grill cavity to aid efficient combustion of the grill burner allowing carbon monoxide to build up in the grill cavity which exits via the exhaust flue of the grill. Subsequent tests have shown that removing a small section of the seal that surrounds the grill compartment will allow enough air into the grill and remove the risk of high levels of carbon monoxide building in the grill cavity when incorrectly used.
Double oven cookers are not affected by this issue.
We have worked closely with Trading Standards since we became aware of the risk, have issued four national press safety notices in the most popular tabloids and have posted details on our websites to bring the concern to consumers’ attention in early March 09. We have contacted almost 23,000 customers by letter since then and have completed 435 seal modifications a week, with further weekly modifications planned. A programme is in place to continue to contact consumers urging them to have the seal modification made to their cooker to avoid any potential risk. The modification being carried out by our appointed engineers has been proven to eliminate the risk when the product is used incorrectly i.e with the grill door closed while grilling and has been independently verified by Government approved test facilities in the UK and Ireland as effective and safe.
Customers can continue to use their gas cooker safely before the modification is carried out. However, when the grill is in use, the grill door must always be in the open position. If customers are concerned or believe they have one of the models listed, they can contact our Freephone Customer Helpline number 0800 342 3049 or visit www.leisurecp.co.uk or www.beko.co.uk.
The seal modification currently being carried out in consumers homes has already been applied to all stock in the UK since March 2009.
Beko takes product safety extremely seriously and the safety of our products is our highest priority. Every one of our products is manufactured in compliance with and approved to all current safety standards and therefore while the products in question are safe when used correctly, having had it brought to our attention, we have taken the above steps to ensure that there is no potential risk to the consumer even if the cookers are used incorrectly.
I hope the above removes any concerns that may have been raised by the article in the News of the World but if you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to call Liz Richards our Brand Marketing Manager on 01923 818121.
