Thermomix in hot water
THE supplier of Thermomix was up to 1200 days late in telling product safety authorities the popular kitchen product had burnt 14 users.
And once it knew the device was dangerous, it took four more reports of serious injuries before it alerted its 300,000 customer base.
These disturbing allegations emerge from documents filed by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission in the Federal Court yesterday which accuse Thermomix in Australia Pty Ltd (TIA) of false, misleading or deceptive conduct.
Victims and advocates last night applauded the ACCC’s action, which also includes claims Thermomix in Australia:
• Misled customers about their rights by telling them they had to sign a gag order to get a refund or replacement.
• Failed to comply with mandatory reporting requirements for serious burns to 14 users, including the four reported after the problem was evident.
• Made false representations and engaged in misleading conduct by saying it didn’t know there was a safety defect.
• Got its public relations company to put out a false statement claiming the device had never been recalled.
Consumer group Choice last year exposed the scale of the Thermomix burn scandal by revealing at least 87 incidents – 18 of which required treatment by a doctor or nurse.
Its campaign director Matt Levey yesterday described Thermomix in Australia’s behaviour as “outrageous”.
“You can only assume they value their brand more than the safety of their customers,” Mr Levey said.
In a statement issued by a new PR company, Thermomix in Australia said the wellbeing and satisfaction of its customers, consultants and partners was “as always, our highest priority”.
Beyond that, it wouldn’t comment, saying it wouldn’t be appropriate while the matter was subject to legal proceedings.
Melbourne woman Heidi Brennan was cooking with a Thermomix TM31 when it started to make a “strange sound”. She turned off the $2000 cooker then released the lid, while carrying her 16month-old daughter Caitlin on her hip. The lid hit the roof and boiling liquid sprayed over them and they had to be taken to hospital by ambulance.
Law firm Slater & Gordon has been exploring bringing individual cases to court and last night senior lawyer Joel Schneider said “we will be closely monitoring the outcome” of the ACCC action.