September 17, 2026 – A consumer reported a concerning incident involving a Kenmore Coldspot refrigerator, model 106.574026, where a piece of the appliance’s plastic ice bin broke off and was found in dispensed ice, narrowly avoiding ingestion. The incident highlights potential safety risks associated with plastic components in ice dispensing systems.
Product Details
Incident Overview
On August 29, 2026, a consumer was dispensing ice and water from their Kenmore Coldspot refrigerator, model number 106.57402600, at their workplace. Upon drinking, the consumer immediately felt a sharp object inside their mouth that was distinctly not ice. After removing the object, it was identified as a piece of the refrigerator’s internal plastic ice bin, which is responsible for holding and dispensing ice. The consumer reported being very close to swallowing the plastic fragment, raising serious concerns about the integrity of the ice dispensing mechanism and the potential for serious injury.
Safety Concerns
This incident presents several significant safety concerns for consumers using Kenmore Coldspot refrigerators with similar ice dispensing systems:
- Immediate Dangers: The primary immediate danger is the risk of choking or internal injury from ingesting sharp plastic fragments. Swallowing such a piece could lead to cuts or punctures in the mouth, throat, esophagus, or digestive tract, potentially requiring emergency medical intervention.
- Long-Term Risks: If a plastic piece is swallowed, even a small one, it could cause internal obstructions or lacerations, leading to pain, infection, or other complications that may not manifest immediately.
- Who Might Be Affected: Anyone using these refrigerators, especially children or individuals with difficulty chewing or swallowing, are at heightened risk. Small, clear plastic pieces could be difficult to detect in ice, making them particularly hazardous.
- Property Damage Potential: While the primary risk is personal injury, repeated stress or degradation of the plastic ice bin could lead to further breakage, potentially affecting the refrigerator’s functionality or causing minor internal damage.
What Consumers Should Do
Consumers who own a Kenmore Coldspot refrigerator, particularly model 106.574026, should take immediate precautions:
- Immediate Steps to Take: If you discover any foreign objects in your dispensed ice, immediately stop using the ice dispenser and inspect the ice bin for cracks, breaks, or missing pieces. Do not attempt to consume any ice that appears contaminated.
- How to Check If You Own the Affected Product: Locate the model number on your Kenmore Coldspot refrigerator, usually found inside the refrigerator compartment or on a label on the back of the unit. Compare it to model 106.574026.
- Prevention Measures: Regularly inspect the plastic ice bin for any signs of wear, cracks, or damage. If any damage is found, discontinue use of the ice dispenser and consider contacting a qualified technician or the manufacturer for a replacement part.
- Reporting Procedures: If you experience a similar incident or discover damage to your ice bin, report it immediately to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) at www.cpsc.gov. Providing detailed reports helps identify product defects and initiate potential recalls.
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.