The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) continues to list the recalled cookers with instructions to stop using and discard or destroy them because the manufacturer is no longer in business. Pressure cookers stamped “U.L. Approved” on the bottom are excluded from the recall.
Rochedo® pressure cookers were also the subject of product-liability litigation after users suffered serious burn injuries. People injured in incidents involving an older Rochedo® cooker may want an attorney to review the product involved, medical records, photographs, and other available evidence to determine whether a viable claim remains.
Quick Facts
- Product: Rochedo® brand pressure cookers
- Units affected: Approximately 300,000
- Hazard: Faulty gasket may allow the cooker to open while pressurized
- Injuries reported to Alcan at recall: Two incidents involving scald-type injuries
Table Of Contents
- Latest Alcan Pressure Cooker Recall and Lawsuit Developments
- What Is the Rochedo® Pressure Cooker Recall?
- Why Were Alcan Rochedo® Pressure Cookers Recalled?
- Reported Rochedo® Pressure Cooker Injuries
- Historical Rochedo® Pressure Cooker Litigation
- How Can a Defective Pressure Cooker Cause Burn Injuries?
- Who May Be Affected by the Rochedo® Recall?
- Who Could Be Liable for a Defective Pressure Cooker?
- Do I Qualify for an Alcan Pressure Cooker Lawsuit?
- What Is the Legal Process for an Alcan Pressure Cooker Injury Claim?
- Important Alcan Pressure Cooker Recall and Legal Actions
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Alcan Pressure Cooker Lawsuit about?
- Was the Rochedo® pressure cooker recalled?
- What defect led to the recall?
- Were injuries linked to the recalled cookers?
- Can I still file an Alcan Pressure Cooker Lawsuit?
- How do I identify a recalled Rochedo® pressure cooker?
- What evidence may help with an Alcan Pressure Cooker Lawsuit?
- Do I Have an Alcan Pressure Cooker Lawsuit?
- References
Latest Alcan Pressure Cooker Recall and Lawsuit Developments
September 2026
September 8, 2026 – The CPSC’s current recall listing continues to identify approximately 300,000 Rochedo® pressure cookers as recalled because a faulty gasket can allow the pots to be opened while they still contain pressure. The agency states that the company is out of business, the recall remedy is no longer available, and affected cookers should be discarded or destroyed rather than donated or resold. [1]
September 1988
September 20, 1988 – The U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit issued its decision in litigation involving three plaintiffs who alleged they were injured by defective Rochedo® pressure cookers manufactured by Alcan Aluminio Do Brasil. The court stated that all three plaintiffs had obtained jury verdicts against Alcan/Brasil based on negligence or strict-liability theories before the appeals were decided. [2]
January 1987
January 21, 1987 – A federal district court opinion in Andino v. Alcan Aluminio Do Brasil, S.A. described a product-liability lawsuit arising after a mother and daughter suffered severe burns when the lid of a Rochedo® pressure cooker came off and steam and hot liquid sprayed onto them. The case involved claims against Alcan/Brasil and other defendants connected to the pressure cooker’s distribution. [3]
December 1983
December 1, 1983 – The CPSC, working with Alcan Aluminio Do Brasil, S.A., announced the recall of approximately 300,000 Rochedo® pressure cookers distributed in the United States and Puerto Rico between 1977 and 1983. The cookers were recalled because a faulty gasket could allow them to be opened while pressure remained inside, and Alcan reported two incidents that resulted in scald-type injuries. [4]
What Is the Rochedo® Pressure Cooker Recall?
The recall involves Rochedo® brand pressure cookers manufactured by Alcan Aluminio Do Brasil, S.A., which the CPSC identified as a Brazilian subsidiary of Alcan Aluminum Limited of Montreal. Approximately 300,000 cookers distributed in the United States and Puerto Rico between 1977 and 1983 were included.
Approximately 240,000 of the pressure cookers were marketed in Puerto Rico. The remaining units were distributed in the continental United States, primarily in Spanish-speaking areas of New York, Newark, New Jersey, Tampa, and Miami, Florida.
Affected pressure cookers can be identified by an “A Product of Alcan Aluminio do Brasil” stamp on the bottom of the pot. According to the CPSC, pressure cookers with “U.L. Approved” stamped on the bottom are not included in the recall.
Why Were Alcan Rochedo® Pressure Cookers Recalled?
The CPSC says the pressure cookers contain a faulty gasket that allows the pots to be opened while pressure remains inside. Opening a pressurized cooker can create the possibility that steam, heated liquid, or food will be forcefully released toward the user.
The hazard is particularly significant because pressure cookers intentionally build internal pressure during cooking. If the lid can be removed before that pressure has safely dissipated, the user may be exposed to extremely hot contents at close range.
The CPSC warned that continued use of the recalled Rochedo® cookers could result in physical injury. Because the company is no longer operating, the agency does not list a repair or replacement remedy and instead instructs consumers to stop using and discard or destroy affected units.
Reported Rochedo® Pressure Cooker Injuries
At the time of the 1983 recall, Alcan reported two incidents involving the pressure cookers that resulted in scald-type injuries. Subsequent federal litigation described additional Rochedo® pressure-cooker incidents involving serious burn injuries.
In one federal case, the court described a February 1984 incident in which a Rochedo® cooker lid came off and steam and hot liquid sprayed onto a mother and daughter, causing severe burns. The later First Circuit decision discussed three plaintiffs who claimed injuries from Rochedo® cookers and who obtained jury verdicts against Alcan/Brasil.
Burn severity can vary according to factors such as the depth of tissue damage and the area of the body involved. Serious burns can cause blistering, scarring, infection, and other complications and may require medical treatment.
Historical Rochedo® Pressure Cooker Litigation
The recalled Rochedo® cookers have a documented history of product-liability litigation. In Andino v. Alcan Aluminio Do Brasil, S.A., plaintiffs brought claims after a Rochedo® pressure cooker incident allegedly caused severe burns from steam and hot liquid.
Related litigation reached the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit in Benitez-Allende v. Alcan Aluminio Do Brasil, S.A. The appellate court stated that three plaintiffs had won jury verdicts against Alcan/Brasil based on negligence or strict liability, although the individual facts and legal issues varied among the cases.
Those historical lawsuits do not establish that every Rochedo® cooker incident creates a valid present-day claim. Product-liability requirements vary by jurisdiction, and questions involving the age of the product, potential defendants, causation, evidence, and applicable filing deadlines can significantly affect an individual case.
How Can a Defective Pressure Cooker Cause Burn Injuries?
A pressure cooker traps steam inside a sealed vessel, allowing pressure and temperature to increase during cooking. The lid is intended to remain secure while dangerous internal pressure is present.
The recalled Rochedo® cookers presented a different risk because the CPSC said the faulty gasket could permit the pot to be opened before that pressure was gone. If hot contents escape when the cooker is opened, users standing near the appliance may have little opportunity to avoid contact.
Historical federal litigation involving Rochedo® cookers also described incidents in which hot liquids or food escaped and burned users. These cases illustrate why the ability to keep a pressure cooker securely closed while internal pressure remains can be an important safety feature.
Who May Be Affected by the Rochedo® Recall?
Consumers may be affected if they own or previously used a recalled Rochedo® pressure cooker distributed between 1977 and 1983. Most of the recalled units were marketed in Puerto Rico, while others were distributed in selected areas of the continental United States.
The age of the recall does not mean that every recalled unit has necessarily disappeared from use. Older cookware can remain in households for many years, be passed between family members, or enter secondhand markets, which makes correct product identification particularly important.
The CPSC specifically warns against donating or reselling recalled Rochedo® cookers. Consumers who have one should check the markings on the bottom to determine whether it falls within the recall.
Who Could Be Liable for a Defective Pressure Cooker?
Product-liability law can involve manufacturers, sellers, distributors, or other entities in the chain of distribution, depending on the facts and the law of the applicable jurisdiction. Claims may potentially involve theories such as manufacturing defects, design defects, inadequate warnings, negligence, strict liability, or breach of warranty.
Historical Rochedo® litigation involved disputes concerning the manufacturer and companies or individuals allegedly connected to distribution. Determining whether any party could still be legally responsible today would require an individualized review of the incident, the product, the jurisdiction, and available evidence.
Do I Qualify for an Alcan Pressure Cooker Lawsuit?
- Were you burned or otherwise injured while using a Rochedo® pressure cooker?
- Did the lid open, separate, or release hot contents while pressure remained inside?
- Did your injuries require emergency care, hospitalization, burn treatment, or follow-up medical care?
- Can the cooker be identified through photographs, markings, purchase information, or other records?
An attorney can review these facts together with medical records, product evidence, the location and date of the incident, potential defendants, and applicable filing deadlines to determine whether a claim may be available.
What Is the Legal Process for an Alcan Pressure Cooker Injury Claim?
Step 1: Free case review. An attorney reviews how the pressure cooker incident occurred, the injuries involved, the identity of the cooker, available photographs or records, and where and when the event happened.
Step 2: Investigation. The investigation may include gathering medical records, product photographs, identifying information, witness statements, recall materials, and evidence concerning companies that manufactured, sold, or distributed the cooker.
Step 3: Filing. If the evidence and applicable law support a claim, a lawsuit may be filed against one or more potentially responsible parties. The claims and defendants depend on the specific facts and jurisdiction.
Step 4: Discovery/negotiation. After filing, the parties may exchange documents, obtain testimony, retain experts, evaluate evidence, and discuss whether the case can be resolved without trial.
Step 5: Resolution. A case may resolve through settlement, dismissal, court rulings, or trial. Prior Rochedo® cases do not predict the outcome or value of any current claim.
Important Alcan Pressure Cooker Recall and Legal Actions
| Event | Month/Year | Type | Status | Source | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CPSC recall remains listed | September 2026 | Recall status | Active safety listing; remedy unavailable | CPSC | Company closed; discard or destroy affected cookers. |
| Benitez-Allende v. Alcan Aluminio Do Brasil | September 1988 | Federal appeal | Appellate decision issued | U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit | Three plaintiffs obtained jury verdicts against Alcan/Brasil. |
| Andino v. Alcan Aluminio Do Brasil | January 1987 | Product-liability litigation | Federal court decision issued | U.S. District Court, District of Puerto Rico | Case involved severe Rochedo® pressure cooker burns. |
| Rochedo® pressure cooker recall | December 1983 | Consumer product recall | Approximately 300,000 units recalled | CPSC | Faulty gasket allowed opening while still pressurized. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Alcan Pressure Cooker Lawsuit about?
Historical lawsuits alleged that Rochedo® pressure cookers manufactured by Alcan Aluminio Do Brasil were defective and caused burn injuries. Federal court decisions document litigation involving users who suffered injuries when hot contents or steam escaped from the cookers.
Was the Rochedo® pressure cooker recalled?
Yes. The CPSC announced the recall on December 1, 1983, covering approximately 300,000 Rochedo® pressure cookers distributed in the United States and Puerto Rico between 1977 and 1983.
What defect led to the recall?
The CPSC identified a faulty gasket that could allow the cooker to be opened while it still contained pressure. This condition created a risk of physical injury from the release of hot contents.
Were injuries linked to the recalled cookers?
Alcan reported two incidents involving scald-type injuries when the recall was announced. Later federal court opinions also describe Rochedo® pressure-cooker incidents involving serious burns.
Can I still file an Alcan Pressure Cooker Lawsuit?
Whether a lawsuit can still be filed depends on the date and location of the injury, available defendants, applicable statutes of limitation or repose, and other case-specific facts. Because the recall dates to 1983, filing-deadline issues may be especially important and should be evaluated individually.
How do I identify a recalled Rochedo® pressure cooker?
The CPSC says affected cookers have “A Product of Alcan Aluminio do Brasil” stamped on the bottom. A pressure cooker with “U.L. Approved” stamped on the bottom is not included in this recall.
What evidence may help with an Alcan Pressure Cooker Lawsuit?
Potentially useful evidence may include photographs of the cooker and its markings, medical records, photographs of injuries, purchase or ownership information, witness statements, and records showing how the incident occurred. The relevance of particular evidence depends on the circumstances of the individual claim.
Do I Have an Alcan Pressure Cooker Lawsuit?
If you or a loved one has been injured by a recalled Rochedo® pressure cooker, you may have legal options. Contact Schmidt & Clark for a free case review.
References
- https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/1983/alcans-brasilian-unit-recalling-faulty-pressure-cookers
- https://law.resource.org/pub/us/case/reporter/F2/857/857.F2d.26.87-2111.88-1089.html
- https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/district-courts/FSupp/652/415/2305502/
- https://www.cpsc.gov/Newsroom/News-Releases/1984/Alcans-Brasilian-Unit-Recalling-Faulty-Pressure-Cookers
- https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/products_liability
- https://medlineplus.gov/burns.html