Reports of exploding machines.

In March, ongoing reports of problems with exploding Thermomix models prompted the consumer advocacy group Choice to ask the ACCC to intervene. “We have asked the ACCC to investigate the advice to consumers about how to safely use the product,” Choice spokesperson and head of content Tom Godfrey said.

A faulty sealing ring in some TM31 Thermomix models is continuing to cause problems. Perth mother Danika Jones was cooking pasta sauce in January when she said the lid of her Thermomix TM31 allegedly flew open and sent hot liquid splattering all over her upper body.

3-thermomix

Choice was taking action on behalf of consumers injured by the machines. The group called on any owners of the popular Thermomix TM31 who have been burned or injured by the device to report what happened with a view to making Australia’s first mass incident report to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).

Tom Godfrey explained, “From severe burns that required hospitalisation through to near-misses such as hot liquid exploding from the Thermomix but not harming anyone, we want to hear from anyone who’s experienced these issues.”

“We’ve already heard from a number of Thermomix owners who say they have been injured by their Thermomix and we think the issue deserves further attention. We’ll be compiling these complaints into Australia’s first mass safety incident report to the ACCC and will call for a further investigation.”

Later in the year, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) launched an investigation into Thermomix injuries in August, and the company 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, 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.