U.S. Sues Wisconsin’s Spectrum Brands over Coffee Pot Handles

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is suing Middleton, Wis.-based Spectrum Brands for allegedly failing to report a problem with coffee pot handles that could detach, creating a risk of burns.

The lawsuit was filed in federal court in Madison. The Wisconsin State Journal reports the complaint alleges Spectrum Brands and its former subsidiary, Applica Consumer Products, didn’t report the problem to the government in a timely manner.

The problem was with handles on Black & Decker brand Spacemaker coffee pots distributed from 2008 through 2012.

The lawsuit says the coffeemakers generated 1,600 consumer complaints over more than three years before Applica told the government and recalled the product.

In a statement on its website, Spectrum Brands spokesman David Prichard says the company will defend itself in court.