Recalled tea tumblers present risk of consumer injury

Almost half a million tea service items were recently recalled by an Atlanta-based tea merchandiser following reports that a few hundred tumblers manufactured in China had shattered during use, thus causing a risk of and injury toed consumers. Teavana, the company that recalled the defective items, was concerned that the defective units could cut or burn customers, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

The CPSC said at least six consumers had suffered cuts and more than 300 tumblers had broken during use. The CPSC said probably only a small fraction of those who had the shattering tumblers probably complained, meaning more units were probably defective.

Consumers are advised to return the tumblers to specific stores for replacement.

Federal laws governing product safety require that companies notify the CPSC after just one report of a product defect. The commission then examines the product and its intended use and decides whether a serious risk exists, and whether the manufacturing or distributing company knew about the problem, and whether the company should have issued a recall much earlier. Teavana has been aware of the incidents since February of this year, according to the CPSC.

The number of defective household kitchen-related products such as the tumblers, glasses, and plates is easy to underestimate, yet in some cases, the use of these products can prove hazardous to consumers, especially when breakage produces sharp edges.

Manufacturers are advised to always place consumer safety first when making products. When companies do not observe safety standards, injured consumers may be eligible to can file a product liability suit.

To file a suit, a victim must have sufficient proof that a manufacturer, supplier or company knew a product was defective. If the person feels that they are a victim of an Illinois defective product, they should consult a legal professional who can help with the case must prove that the manufacturer was negligent in some way. If negligence is proven, a victim may be eligible for compensation to cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering. In the event that death results from the use of the defective product, wrongful death suits can seek compensation for damages, including loss of companionship and funeral expenses.

Source: MSN Money, “Shattering tea tumblers recalled,” Mitch Lipka, May 31, 2013