Nairobi — The COMESA Competition Commission has warned member states over the ongoing recall of faulty American-made Steam Shot-style handheld steam cleaners.

In a statement, the commission's registrar, Demissie Disasa, urged buyers or users in the region to refrain from purchasing or using this equipment, which is made by Bissel Homecare, an American-owned vacuum cleaner and floor care product manufacturing company.

Over 3.2 million steam cleaners have been recalled as of Sunday after reports circulated that the product can dispense hot water or steam onto users while heating or during use, posing significant risks.

It has further been reported that the manufacturers of the said product had received 183 reports of hot water or steam escaping from the product, which included 157 reports of minor burn injuries.

"The COMESA Competition Commission (the "Commission") has become aware that Bissel Homecare, an American-owned vacuum cleaner and floor care product manufacturing company, voluntarily recalled 3.2 million of its Steam Shot-style handheld steam cleaners on 18 July 2024," Disasa stated.

"This followed reports that the affected products can expel hot water or steam onto users while heating or during use, posing a burn hazard," he added.

These are sold mainly in America and Canada; however, folks from the rest of the globe can access them using online shopping sites such as Amazon.

According to the Commission, the product has been purchased by consumers from Kenya, Zambia, Egypt, and Uganda through online sites.

In turn, Bissel has requested affected consumers to fill out a form available on the company's website to get a refund or digital credit.

"The Commission's preliminary findings indicate that in COMESA, the product is marketed on different online sites in Zambia, Uganda, Egypt, and Kenya," it stated.