General Electric Waited too Long on Burn Hazard Report

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced that General Electric will pay a $3.5 million civil penalty for the knowing failure to report defects concerning two models of its freestanding dual-fuel ranges and dishwashers. The ranges and dishwashers pose as a fire and burn hazard. In violation of federal law, GE waited for months before reporting the potential hazards stemming from the products to the CPSC. In addition to paying the $3.5 million civil penalty, General Electric has agreed that GE Appliances will maintain a compliance program with the reporting requirements of the Consumer Product Safety Act. [2/27/15]