February 10, 2026 — A consumer has reported a concerning incident involving a Frigidaire EFIC165 ice machine, where hard, black plastic shards were found embedded in the ice. The unit, only 1.5 years old, experienced what the user describes as a “catastrophic failure,” raising significant safety concerns for anyone consuming ice produced by the appliance.
Product Details
Incident Overview
The incident, reported on January 15, 2026, details a failure in a Frigidaire EFIC165 ice machine. The unit, purchased approximately 1.5 years prior, had been regularly cleaned on a weekly basis, indicating diligent maintenance by the owner. Despite this, hard, black plastic shards were discovered mixed into the ice being produced. The consumer contacted the manufacturer’s technical support line seeking assistance for a repair or even a referral to a local service shop for an estimate. However, they reported receiving no help from the manufacturer, expressing disappointment that even out-of-warranty support was not offered. The user highlighted the appliance’s premature failure, considering its young age, and the significant safety hazard it poses.
Safety Concerns
The presence of hard, black plastic shards in ice from a consumer appliance presents several immediate and potentially long-term safety risks:
- Immediate Dangers: Ingestion of sharp plastic shards can lead to serious internal injuries, including cuts to the mouth, throat, esophagus, and digestive tract. These sharp fragments could also pose a choking hazard, particularly for children, the elderly, or individuals with swallowing difficulties.
- Long-Term Risks: If plastic fragments are ingested without immediate notice, they could cause internal irritation, obstruction, or damage over time. The long-term effects of consuming small plastic particles are not fully understood but are a growing area of health concern.
- Who Might Be Affected: Anyone consuming ice from the affected machine is at risk. This includes all household members, guests, and particularly children who might not discern foreign objects in their drinks.
- Property Damage Potential: While the primary concern here is personal injury, the source of the plastic shards likely indicates a breakdown of internal components within the ice machine. This could lead to further mechanical failures, water leaks, or damage to other parts of the appliance.
What Consumers Should Do
If you own a Frigidaire EFIC165 ice machine or a similar portable ice maker, it is crucial to take immediate action to ensure safety:
- Immediate Steps to Take:
- Immediately cease using the ice machine.
- Do not consume any ice produced by the unit.
- Carefully inspect any existing ice for foreign objects or plastic fragments.
- Retain any discovered plastic shards or compromised ice as evidence.
- Unplug the appliance from the power source.
- How to Check if You Own the Affected Product: Verify the model number, Frigidaire EFIC165, usually found on a label on the back or bottom of the unit.
- Prevention Measures: Regularly inspect your ice machine for any unusual noises, visual signs of wear, or foreign debris in the ice tray or water reservoir. If you notice any anomalies, discontinue use immediately.
- Reporting Procedures: Report any similar incidents directly to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) at www.cpsc.gov. You should also contact the manufacturer, ELECTROLUX/WHITE CONSOLIDATED, to report the defect and seek guidance.
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.