Health Canada recalls heated blankets due to fire hazard

Health Canada is warning anyone who owns a specific Sunbeam brand of heated blanket to “immediately stop using it and turn it off,” according to a new recall notice.

The agency issued the recall on Thursday for the Sunbeam Queen Size Heated Blanket with model number 32810027, stating that it serves as a potential fire hazard.

A total of 18,221 units were sold in Canada, while about 43,000 were sold in the US.

A joint recall between Health Canada, the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission and Star Elite, the company that manufactured the blankets, asks customers to destroy the blankets and receive a refund.

“Star Elite has learned that the Sunbeam Queen Size Heated Blanket model number 32810027 may overheat, causing a potential burn or fire hazard,” the recall reads.

“As of March 8, 2023, the company has received seven reports of incidents and injuries in Canada. In the US, the company received 13 reports of incidents, no reports of injuries.”

The logo and model number are printed on a laundry tag attached to the blanket, according to the recall. All affected products were sold between September 2022 and January 2023.

“They were sold with detachable controls and in the following colors: ivory, beige, light green, light blue, navy blue, burgundy, dark gray, light gray and gray purple,” the recall states.

Product names affected by this recall include Sunbeam Ultra Lush, Royal Luxe, Royal Posh heated blankets, all in queen sizes.

If you have one of these blankets in your home, officials say stop using it immediately.

To receive a refund, according to the company, customers must draw an X across the laundry label with a permanent marker, cut the power cord with a pair of scissors, only after first unplugging the blanket and fill out an online form.

You should not put the blanket away immediately, as you may need to take additional photos of the blanket to receive the refund. Once the company issues a refund, blankets must be disposed of in accordance with local electronic recycling guidelines.

“Please note that the Canadian Consumer Product Safety Act prohibits the redistribution, sale or even giving away of the recalled products in Canada,” Health Canada said.

“Health Canada would like to remind Canadians to report any health or safety incidents related to the use of this product or any other consumer product or cosmetic by completing the Consumer Product Incident Report Form.”