rss feedStarbucks coffee grinder, subject of recall, prompts one thought: I have one of those
The U.S. government is recalling the Starbucks Barista Blade Grinder. Photo source: The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Like many people these days, I’ve been pretty busy. So, I was glad that I dropped by Starbucks today to buy coffee.
Near a cash register corner, I spotted a recall notice, complete with a photograph, for the Starbucks Barista Blade Grinder. The morning routine at our house quickly came to mind: “That looks like the grinder we use.”
I called the Starbucks recall number of 866-276-2950 and described my product to two representatives. The company posted a notice that starts with ”Laceration Hazard” on its Web site.
Although my machine lacks a special identification number and “Barista” decals outside, it became apparent that I likely had one I shouldn’t be using.
The grinder, Starbucks explained, sometimes fails to stop when it should or starts unexpectedly. And the issue doesn’t appear to be limited to a few machines. There are 176 reports of the grinder failing to stop or spinning when it should not, the company said.
Of those cases, three involved hand lacerations. People were cleaning the grinders. The blade started spinning.
The recall involves about 530,000 machines, including Seattle’s Best Coffee Blade Grinder. All were sold during the past seven years.
I’m a little late to notice the June 16 recall. But I’m glad I did. I have a family. Safety is always on my mind.
Melissa Allison, who writes the Coffee City blog for The Seattle Times, alerted readers the day after it was announced.
Our Starbucks grinder is missing the name "Barista" on its sides. But the black oval placement, style and shape match the recall description. Photo location: Our kitchen table, unplugged of course.
The $30 grinder is made in China by Zhangzhou Enterprise Co. Ltd., according to a U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission statement. The Commission says it is still collecting reports of grinder problems.
In recent years, some Chinese-made goods have come under heavy criticism for health and safety concerns – such as toys with high lead content. Certainly, not all China-made goods have had problems.
But a quick look at the Commission’s Web site shows other products sold by Starbucks that have faced recalls.
I’m sure companies in China are much more aware that consumers – particularly those in the United States – demand safety, reliability and transparency when buying goods.
Knowing information - even if it’s bad - is crucial for people to make decisions.
I’m also certain Starbucks contacted the company to discuss the matter.
If this specific grinder was designed in the United States but manufactured in China, then there’s a host of other questions.
I’ve always found international relations to be fascinating.
All I can say about international manufacturing, especially in Asia, is this: Theoretically, comparative advantage makes sense.
Realistically, though, it’s complex and challenging. At times, it’s risky. At other times, it’s advantageous. Some companies have succeeded in pursuing this strategy.
A few years ago, I would have said that the U.S. market – with its vigilant consumers and government oversight – was clearer or more responsive than ones in Asia.
To an extent, it still is. Sadly though, the collapse of the U.S. housing market and failure of major financial institutions proves that transparency can be elusive in all countries.
Anyway, a supervisor handling recall questions said I should receive a new version of the same grinder in about six to eight weeks.
I asked how she knew that this new model would not have the same problem. The problem, she noted, has been repaired.
Certainly, my wife and I will be more cautious with the replacement. We never had any problem with this grinder. That’s good.
The supervisor also said I can drop by any Starbucks and grind our beans for free as we wait for our replacement. That’s a nice offer.
My hunch is that we’ll grind our beans at Costco. We shop there regularly.
