An investigation is underway.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has launched an investigation into Thermomix injuries, and the company has responded by saying that customer safety is their top priority.
An ACCC spokesperson confirmed with Appliance Retailer that the watchdog has been investigating this matter in relation to reported safety concerns and reports of confidentiality requirements since March this year in relation to both the TM31 and TM5.
The ACCC received data from Choice in relation to its mass incident report in May 2016, which has formed part of broader material being considered as part of the ACCC’s investigation.
“The ACCC has a range of options it can pursue if it considers a business has contravened the Australian Consumer Law. In deciding which compliance or enforcement tool (or the combination of such tools) to use, the ACCC’s first priority is always to achieve the best possible outcome for the community and to manage risk proportionately,” the spokesperson said.
“We note the public interest in these matters, and will be seeking to reach a considered view as soon as possible,” the spokesperson added.
Between March 29 and May 9 2016, 87 Thermomix owners filled out a mass incident form supplied by Choice and reported a problem with their machine. Forty-five reported being injured, and 18 of the injured said they received medical treatment.
Fifty-three people complained to Thermomix about an incident, and ten of the injured who had sought treatment from a doctor or a nurse said they reported the incident to Thermomix Australia, in one case as early as 2013.