A major safety alert has been issued to every household in the UK, urging a immediate check of kitchens for five common items deemed so dangerous they should be removed at once.
The warning comes from Electrical Safety First, a leading consumer safety charity, which has identified a list of everyday products posing serious fire and electrocution risks.
The Five Dangerous Items In Your Home
The charity's investigation, in collaboration with Which? magazine, pinpointed these specific hazards:
- Uncertified Phone Chargers: Cheap, unbranded chargers purchased online can overheat catastrophically, leading to fires.
- Old or Faulty Slow Cookers: Aging models, particularly those with damaged cords or loose fittings, are a significant electrical and fire hazard.
- Certain Mini Grills and Ovens: Specific models have been found to overheat dangerously or have faulty wiring.
- Damaged or Counterfeit Kettles: Kettles with loose elements, faulty automatic shut-offs, or cheap counterfeits can cause severe electrical faults.
- Specific Blenders and Food Processors: Units with worn motors or compromised wiring can spark and ignite.
Why The Urgent Warning?
This isn't a simple advisory. The call for action is backed by alarming statistics. Faulty appliances and substandard electrical goods are a primary cause of devastating house fires across the country.
Lesley Rudd, Chief Executive of Electrical Safety First, stated: "The cost-of-living crisis has driven many to seek cheaper alternatives online, often from third-party sellers on major marketplaces. Unfortunately, these products are frequently uncertified, poorly made, and can have catastrophic consequences."
The charity emphasises that these items often lack proper UK safety certification marks, such as the UKCA or UKNI mark, making them illegal to sell and extremely dangerous to use.
What You Should Do Immediately
Safety experts recommend taking these steps without delay:
- Inspect your kitchen for any of the listed items.
- Check for safety marks on all electrical products. Look for the UKCA, UKNI, or a legitimate CE mark.
- Be wary of ultra-cheap deals from unknown online brands and marketplaces.
- Register your appliances with the manufacturer to be notified of any future recalls.
- If in doubt, throw it out. Your safety is worth more than replacing a faulty gadget.
For detailed information on specific model numbers and brands affected, consumers are directed to the official Electrical Safety First website.
