A nationwide safety alert has been issued after multiple electric pressure cookers sold in major retail chains, including Aldi, were linked to at least eight cases of severe burn injuries. The incidents reportedly occurred when the cookers’ lids were removed prematurely or malfunctioned, causing scalding hot contents to erupt unexpectedly.
Consumer safety agencies have begun investigating the reports, with several victims describing similar accidents — sudden explosions of boiling liquid and steam that led to second- and third-degree burns. One Florida woman remains hospitalized after suffering extensive injuries while preparing dinner with the appliance.
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the affected units may contain a defective lid-locking mechanism, allowing the lid to detach while still under pressure. This design flaw poses a serious risk to users, as trapped steam and hot contents can burst out violently once the seal is broken.
Aldi has responded to the reports by urging customers to immediately stop using the pressure cookers and check product labels for specific model numbers under investigation. “We take customer safety extremely seriously,” the company stated in a public notice. “We are cooperating fully with authorities to determine the cause of these incidents and ensure that all affected products are removed from shelves.”
Preliminary findings indicate that the models in question may have been distributed under various private labels over the past two years. Safety inspectors are now working to identify whether similar designs were sold through other retailers as well.
Several victims have already begun taking legal action against the manufacturers, claiming negligence and product misrepresentation. One victim, a 32-year-old mother from Texas, described the terrifying moment her pressure cooker malfunctioned. “I was making soup for my kids,” she said from her hospital bed. “The lid flew off without warning. I felt my skin burning instantly. I screamed, but it was too late.”
Consumer rights advocates are calling for stricter safety testing and clearer warnings on electric cooking devices, citing a rising number of similar accidents in recent years. “Pressure cookers can be incredibly dangerous when poorly designed or misused,” said product safety attorney Lisa Greer. “Manufacturers must prioritize safety over convenience — lives are literally on the line.”
Experts recommend users take the following precautions until the recall investigation concludes:
- Always release steam fully before attempting to open the lid.
- Never fill the cooker beyond two-thirds capacity.
- Keep the appliance away from children while in use.
- Immediately stop using any model showing signs of damage or malfunction.
As of now, no fatalities have been reported, but several victims are still undergoing treatment for severe scalding and nerve damage. Authorities emphasize that anyone who has purchased an electric pressure cooker in the past two years should check recall notices and report any malfunctions to the CPSC immediately.
With growing concern among consumers, this case serves as a sobering reminder that even common household devices can pose hidden dangers when safety mechanisms fail.
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