A global recall of millions of air fryers and multi-cookers has raised alarm bells in South Africa, where many households may unknowingly be at risk. The danger isn't just physical - it's legal too, as a growing number of personal injury claims highlight just how serious appliance failures can be.
From burns and electric shocks to toxic chemical exposure, household devices once considered safe are now under scrutiny. Air fryers, pressure cookers, heaters, and even refrigerators have been linked to injuries, prompting legal experts to call for greater awareness of consumer rights.
Legal support for victims of defective appliances
Kirstie Haslam, a partner at DSC Attorneys - a leading personal injury law firm in South Africa - warns that faulty products are far more common than many realise. "These incidents are a stark reminder that design flaws, manufacturing defects, or cost-cutting with cheap materials can lead to serious harm," she says. "When an appliance fails, the consequences can be devastating - physically, emotionally, and financially."
But the good news, Haslam says, is that South African consumers are not powerless.