August 19, 2026 — A Frigidaire countertop nugget ice maker, model EFIC228-SS, purchased from Walmart, has been flagged for a serious safety concern after a consumer reported finding small plastic pieces breaking off from the inside of the machine and contaminating both the water reservoir and the ice. The incident, first noticed when a young child complained of something stuck in their throat, highlights a potential choking hazard, especially for children who might unknowingly ingest these fragments with their drinks.
Product Details
Incident Overview
The consumer reported that after using the Frigidaire Countertop Nugget Ice Maker (model EFIC228-SS) for an unspecified period, small plastic fragments began to break off from internal components. These fragments subsequently mixed into the machine’s water reservoir and the ice it produced. The problem first came to light when the consumer’s young son drank water with ice from the unit and experienced discomfort, complaining that “something was stuck in his throat.” At that time, the cause was unknown. However, a closer inspection of the ice maker revealed small plastic pieces mixed within the ice and water.
Several months later, the issue recurred, with the consumer again discovering additional plastic fragments inside the machine and contaminating the ice. The consumer has documented these findings with photographs and has ceased using the ice maker due to the perceived safety risk. The report emphasizes that the fragments are easily overlooked when mixed with ice in a drink, increasing the likelihood of accidental ingestion.
Safety Concerns
The presence of plastic fragments breaking off inside the Frigidaire EFIC228-SS ice maker presents several significant safety concerns:
- Choking Hazard: The most immediate and severe risk is choking, particularly for young children. Small, hard plastic pieces can become lodged in the throat or airway, potentially causing serious injury or suffocation.
- Ingestion Risk: Even if not a choking hazard, ingesting plastic fragments can pose health risks. While small amounts of certain plastics may pass through the digestive system, unknown chemicals or sharp edges could cause internal irritation or injury. The long-term effects of consuming such materials are generally not well-understood for consumer products.
- Unnoticed Contamination: Because the plastic fragments are mixed with ice, they are difficult to detect, especially in drinks. This increases the likelihood that consumers, particularly those not actively looking for contaminants, will unknowingly ingest them.
- Broader Manufacturing Defect: The recurrence of the issue months apart, combined with the nature of plastic breaking down within the unit, suggests a potential manufacturing or material defect. This raises concerns that other units of the same model might be susceptible to the same problem, affecting a wider consumer base.
What Consumers Should Do
Consumers who own a Frigidaire Countertop Nugget Ice Maker, model EFIC228-SS, should take the following steps:
1. Stop Using Immediately: If you observe any plastic pieces in your ice or water, or suspect your unit may be affected, cease all use of the ice maker immediately.
2. Inspect Your Unit: Carefully inspect the interior of your ice maker, including the water reservoir and ice-making components, for any signs of cracking, chipping, or loose plastic fragments. If you find any, do not use the product.
3. Save Evidence: If you have found plastic pieces, save them along with any photographs or videos you have taken. This evidence can be crucial for investigations.
4. Report the Incident: File a detailed incident report with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) at SaferProducts.gov. Providing comprehensive details helps regulatory bodies identify potential widespread issues.
5. Contact the Manufacturer: Reach out to ELECTROLUX/WHITE CONSOLIDATED directly to report your experience and inquire about potential solutions, replacements, or refunds.
Manufacturer’s Response
No manufacturer response has been provided in the incident report.
Legal Help Available
If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective product or suffered property damage due to a product malfunction, you may be entitled to compensation. The experienced product liability attorneys at Farzan Law understand the complexities of defective product cases and can help you navigate the legal process. Farzan Law is a California based Personal Injury law firm focusing on protecting the rights of those wrongfully injured.
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Note: This information is based on incident reports provided by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. If you find information that is incorrect, please contact us immediately so we can correct the post to reflect accurate information.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is not intended to be legal or medical advice. This article is based on publicly available incident reports. The incidents mentioned have not necessarily been independently verified or adjudicated.