The agency announced the recall Thursday for the Sunbeam Queen Size Heated Blanket with model number 32810027, stating that it serves as a potential fire hazard.
A total of 18,221 units have been sold in Canada, while in the US around 43,000 were sold.
The joint recall between Health Canada, the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission and Star Elite, the company that manufactured the blankets, asks customers to destroy the blankets and apply for a refund.
“Star Elite has learned that the Sunbeam Queen Size Heated Blanket model number 32810027 can potentially overheat, posing a possible burn or fire hazard,” the recall states.
“As of March 8, 2023, the Company has received seven reports of incidents and no reports of injuries in Canada. In the United States, the Company has received 13 reports of incidents and no reports of injuries.”
The logo and model number are printed on the wash label attached to the rug, the recall states. All affected products were sold between September 2022 and January 2023.
“They were sold with detachable controllers and in the following colors: ivory, beige, light green, light blue, dark blue, burgundy, dark gray, light gray and gray violet,” the recall states.
The product names affected by this recall include Sunbeam Ultra Lush, Royal Luxe, Royal Posh Heated Blankets, all in queen size.
If you have one of these blankets in your home, officials say you should stop using it immediately.
To receive a refund, according to the company, customers must draw an X symbol across the wash label with a permanent marker, cut the power cord with scissors — only after removing the blanket first — and fill out an online form.
You should not discard the rug immediately, as you may need to take additional photos of the rug to receive the refund. Once the company has issued the refund, blankets must be disposed of according to local guidelines for electronic recycling.
“Please note that the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act prohibits recalled products from being redistributed, sold or even given away in Canada,” Health Canada said.
“Health Canada would like to remind Canadians to report any health or safety incident associated with the use of this product or any other consumer product or cosmetic by completing the Consumer Product Incident Reporting Form.”