Whirlpool on a recalling mode

Whirlpool Corp., the world’s largest appliance maker, issued the biggest U.S. dishwasher recall in three years to fix 1.7 million of its Maytag models with a fire hazard, the Consumer Product Safety Commission said.

According to the agency the dishwasher has a faulty heating element that can short circuit and ignite. The agency has recommmended that all consumers should immediately stop using the product and disconnect it from the power source.

The Benton Harbor, Michigan based manufacturer received 12 reports of fires with the plastic-tub models, including a blaze that caused extensive kitchen damage, which led to the decision regarding the recall of the dishwasher.

Accoding to Whirlpool spokesperson Jill Saletta, "Product quality and consumer safety are Whirlpool Corporation’s top priorities. If a product quality or safety issue is identified, we move swiftly and with urgency to correct the issue."

This recall is the largest after General Electric Co. recall of 2.5 million units in May, 2007.

Maytag dishwashers sold with Amana, Jenn-Air, Magic Chef, Admiral, Performa and Crosley brand names are covered in the recall. The agency statement listed serial numbers for the models, which are found on a label inside the plastic tub on a tag near the left side of the door. For additional information, consumers are directed to 1-800-544-5513 or the Maytag website, the agency said.

The recall raises an eye on what the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is doing when defective products are reaching the consumers at such a large scale.