Air Fryer Recall

Overview

In the UK, product recalls are initiated and managed by the Office for Product Safety & Standards (OPSS). In brief a recall means a company will ask consumers to return a product they bought due to a safety issue or defect that could cause harm. The recall is announced by the manufacturer or retailer alerting the public to the issue and instructing them to stop using the product and either return it for a refund, replacement, or repair.

Product recall 2503-0044 (https://www.gov.uk/product-safety-alerts-reports-recalls/product-recall-tower-air-fryers-2503-0044) relates to a recall for Tower Air fryers. The Fryers of concern have a manufacturing defect which may result in overheating that under certain circumstances could pose a risk of fire.

What products

It is important to note, the recall only applies to specific batches of the affected products manufactured between January 2022 – April 2023. Details on the recall and replacements or refunds can be viewed on the Tower Housewares webpage: https://www.towerhousewares.co.uk/pages/air-fryer-recall.

How does this impact our Members

Air fryers are popular with students due they are often considered as more efficient, quicker and more convenient than ovens. Most members allow flyers in student accommodation kitchens, if they are safe to use, comply with safety regulations, have a UK three-pin plug and are subject to portable appliance testing or been supplied new (and after initial use then being subject to testing frequencies within the Members policies).

Managing the hazard

UMAL Members should actively share product recall alerts for equipment likely to be used / found in student accommodation. Use communication channels like internal social media, noticeboards in kitchens and common areas.

Remember product e recall communications can and do get missed, so housekeeping, portering and accommodation teams should be diligent when completing accommodation inspections to identify and remove any remaining flyers following the correct accommodation policies. To support staff identifying product details, information on the model numbers, photos and location of appliance labels can be found on the retailers’ recall webpage.

Student accommodations should dispose of electrical waste, also known as WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment), responsibly through recycling or designated collection points. WEEE should not be placed in general waste or recycling bins

Will this happen again?

Very Likely, as product recalls numbers are rising each year, with the UK authorities issuing 320 product recall alerts in 2024 alone. UMAL recommends Members regularly review the OPSS Product Safety Alerts, Reports and Recalls.

Featured alerts and recalls can be found here https://www.gov.uk/guidance/product-recalls-and-alerts