Ahead of Easter, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is warning consumers to be aware of dangerous gas cookers, which have the potential to catch fire and explode.The ACCC has warned that six models of “lunchbox” gas cookers have defective over-pressure valves, posing a risk of injury.
“Portable gas cookers are popular camping items, which many families may be using during upcoming Easter trips,” ACCC deputy chair Delia Rickard commented.
“Before you pack, check whether your model is affected. If so, do not use it under any circumstances. If consumers are unsure whether their lunchbox gas cooker is affected, we recommend not using your cooker for now.”
Rickard added that state and territory gas regulators are negotiating recalls on faulty cookers, in consultation with the ACCC.
“The first of these recalls will be announced this week,” she stated. “If you own a product that is recalled you can obtain a refund from where you bought it.”
After finding products did not meet the gas appliance standard, state gas regulators stopped the sale of affected cookers in recent weeks, the ACCC advised, with these models having had their certificates of conformance withdrawn, meaning they cannot be sold.
Consumers can check to see if their cooker has been recalled and obtain advice on what they should do by visiting here, while for more information on the affected products, consumers can contact the gas appliance regulator in their state.
