Table of contents
- Latest Onion Chopper Recall Updates
- October 29, 2020: CPSC Announces Recall 21-017
- May 28, 2020: CPSC Warns Consumers to Stop Using the Chopper
- Which Onion Chopper Models Are Affected?
- Why Was the Onion Chopper Recalled?
- Reported Incidents, Injuries, or Illnesses
- What Should Consumers Do?
- Legal Options
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Do You Get Reimbursed for a Recalled Onion Chopper?
- Where Is the Onion Chopper Pro Manufactured?
- Was the Onion Chopper Pro Sold on Muellerdirect.com?
- Can You Report an Onion Chopper Injury to CPSC?
The Mueller Austria Onion Chopper Pro, model M-700, has a locking tab that can detach during use. Hands and fingers can then slide into the blades.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced recall 21-017 on October 29, 2020, and it remains open for the replacement remedy. It covers about 106,000 choppers, with 266 incidents of a tab breaking and 137 laceration injuries.
Owners should stop using the chopper right away and contact Mueller Austria for a free replacement. The chopper sold on Amazon.com for about $20. No lawsuit, class action or MDL names the Onion Chopper Pro.
Latest Onion Chopper Recall Updates
October 29, 2020: CPSC Announces Recall 21-017
CPSC and Mueller Austria announced recall 21-017 of about 106,000 Onion Chopper Pro choppers, model M-700. The locking tab can detach and let hands and fingers slide into the blades. The remedy is a free replacement [1].
May 28, 2020: CPSC Warns Consumers to Stop Using the Chopper
CPSC and Mueller Austria warned consumers to stop using select versions of the Onion Chopper Pro, model M-700. The warning said approximately 72,000 units had been sold between September 2016 and December 2019 for about $20 [2].
Which Onion Chopper Models Are Affected?
The recall covers Onion Chopper Pro choppers that match these details:
- Model M-700, gray and green
- A locking tab that is pushed toward the blades to lock into place
- A model number on the chopper itself or on its packaging
Mueller Austria introduced a new chopper in December 2019 with a different locking tab configuration, and the notice applies only to the older versions.
Why Was the Onion Chopper Recalled?
The Onion Chopper Pro was recalled because its locking tab can detach from the rest of the unit during use. The notice calls this a laceration hazard.
In the May 28, 2020 warning, Mueller Austria was negotiating a joint recall with CPSC. The COVID-19 crisis left it uncertain when a remedy would be possible.
Reported Incidents, Injuries, or Illnesses
Mueller Austria has received 266 incidents of the tab breaking. These resulted in 137 laceration injuries to the hands and fingers.
The figures are company reports and do not prove that the chopper caused every injury. Anyone who has had a safety incident with the chopper can report it to CPSC on SaferProducts.gov [3].
What Should Consumers Do?
Owners of an Onion Chopper Pro can take these steps:
- Stop using the recalled onion chopper right away.
- Look for model M-700 and a tab that pushes toward the blades.
- Call Mueller Austria toll-free at 888-990-9066, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. PT, Monday through Friday.
- Or go to www.muellerdirect.com and click Recall at the bottom of the page.
- Ask for the free replacement with a newly-designed locking tab.
- Report a problem with the remedy to CPSC through its recall complaint form.
Legal Options
No one has filed a lawsuit, class action or MDL for this chopper. A person cut by the chopper may have a product-liability claim, which depends on the individual facts.
A recall does not automatically make anyone liable. Filing deadlines come from state law and depend on where you live and when you were hurt. A missed deadline can end a claim, so speak with a lawyer soon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do You Get Reimbursed for a Recalled Onion Chopper?
Reimbursement for a recalled onion chopper is a free replacement from Mueller Austria. The notice states no refund, and it says the choppers were sold online through July 2020 before the recall.
Where Is the Onion Chopper Pro Manufactured?
The Onion Chopper Pro is manufactured in Hong Kong, according to the CPSC recall notice. Mueller Austria, of Oakland, Calif., imports it and runs the free replacement program for owners.
Was the Onion Chopper Pro Sold on Muellerdirect.com?
Yes, the Onion Chopper Pro was sold on muellerdirect.com as well as Amazon.com, according to the earlier CPSC warning, which CPSC titled a Product Safety Warning. The recall notice lists Amazon.com only, so owners should check the model number.
Can You Report an Onion Chopper Injury to CPSC?
Yes, you can report an onion chopper injury to CPSC. The agency’s notice points consumers to SaferProducts.gov for dangerous products and product-related injuries, and to its recall complaint form for problems with the replacement remedy.