Frigidaire is recalling nearly 400,000 side-by-side refrigerators sold between 2015 and 2019 due to a potential choking and cutting hazard caused by plastic pieces breaking off into the ice bucket. The recall comes after 343 reports of plastic breaking off and two reports of consumers being cut or hurt after ingesting it. The affected refrigerators were sold at stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s, and on Frigidaire.com for between $1,400 and $2,400. Model numbers and details of the recall are provided, and this follows previous recalls of washer-dryer units and GE refrigerators for safety concerns.
Samsung refrigerators continue to receive numerous complaints from consumers, with issues ranging from defective icemakers to inconsistent temperatures. Many consumers report that their Samsung refrigerators do not keep food, medication, or other perishables cold enough, leading to illness. Despite the high number of complaints and a federal investigation, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has taken no public action on the matter. Consumer protection experts criticize the agency's ability to inform the public about potentially hazardous products in a timely manner. Samsung denies any underlying issues with their refrigerators, but the company's products account for the majority of refrigerator complaints. The lengthy process of recalls and warnings, along with restrictions on disclosing manufacturer information, hinders the CPSC's ability to quickly address safety concerns.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a new rule that will impose a 40% reduction in hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) used in refrigerators and air conditioners starting next year, aligning with a global phaseout to combat climate change. The rule follows a 2020 law calling for an 85% reduction in HFC production and use by 2036. The EPA expects the rule to significantly reduce HFC emissions from refrigeration and air conditioning systems in the United States, marking the second step in a 15-year phasedown of these potent greenhouse gases.
