October 20, 2026 — A recent incident report details a concerning safety issue involving a GE Profile undercounter ice maker, model UNC15NPRBII, where a child nearly swallowed a sharp piece of plastic found in ice produced by the appliance. The consumer reported finding additional jagged plastic fragments within the ice supply.
Product Details
Incident Overview
On September 25, 2026, a child was drinking water from a reusable water bottle that contained ice produced by a GE Profile undercounter ice maker, model UNC15NPRBII. While drinking, a sharp, rigid piece of clear plastic entered the child’s mouth and was nearly swallowed. Fortunately, the fragment was removed immediately, and no known injury was observed at the time of the incident.
Following this alarming discovery, the consumer promptly ceased using the ice maker. An inspection of the remaining ice revealed two additional pieces of similar clear plastic, each possessing sharp or jagged edges. The consumer has carefully retained all three plastic fragments and has photographed them as evidence. While the exact component from which the fragments originated has not been identified, the consumer notes that the pieces resemble clear plastic commonly used on internal reservoir or window components within the appliance. The ice maker has not been disassembled, but it has been drained, powered off, and remains out of service due to serious concerns that additional sharp plastic fragments could be produced and enter ice intended for consumption.
Safety Concerns
This incident highlights significant safety concerns for consumers using the GE Profile UNC15NPRBII ice maker:
- Immediate Dangers: The primary immediate danger is a choking hazard, particularly for children, if sharp plastic fragments are inadvertently consumed. The rigid and jagged nature of the plastic also presents a serious risk of lacerations to the mouth, throat, and gastrointestinal tract.
- Long-Term Risks: If swallowed, sharp plastic fragments could cause internal injuries, perforations, or obstructions in the digestive system, potentially requiring emergency medical intervention. Even small pieces could lead to discomfort or chronic issues.
- Who Might Be Affected: All users of the affected ice maker are at risk. Children are especially vulnerable due to their smaller airways and tendency not to inspect their food/drink as carefully as adults. The elderly or individuals with difficulty swallowing could also face heightened risks.
- Property Damage Potential: While the immediate concern is personal injury, the breaking down of internal components suggests a potential for appliance malfunction or damage over time, although direct property damage outside the appliance itself is not evident in this report.
What Consumers Should Do
If you own a GE Profile UNC15NPRBII undercounter ice maker, or a similar model, we urge you to take the following precautions:
- Immediately Stop Use: If you suspect your ice maker may be producing plastic fragments, or if you own the model identified, stop using the appliance immediately. Power it off and drain any remaining water.
- Inspect Your Ice: Carefully inspect any ice currently in your freezer or in the ice maker for clear, rigid, or jagged plastic pieces.
- Identify Your Product: Locate the model number on your GE Profile undercounter ice maker. This information is typically found on a label on the back, side, or inside the door of the appliance. Compare it to the model UNC15NPRBII.
- Retain Evidence: If you find any foreign fragments, do not discard them. Place them in a sealed bag and photograph them as evidence.
- Contact the Manufacturer: Reach out to GE Appliances customer service to report your findings and inquire about inspection, repair, or replacement options.
- Report the Incident: File a detailed incident report with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) at SaferProducts.gov. Your report helps identify hazardous products and prompts necessary safety actions.
- Prevention: Until the issue is resolved or addressed by the manufacturer, consider alternative methods for ice production or carefully filter and inspect all ice before consumption.
Manufacturer’s Response
The manufacturer, GE Appliances, a Haier company, has acknowledged the incident report. As of this report, specific details regarding their planned actions or investigations are not publicly available beyond the confirmation of receipt of the incident report. Consumers are encouraged to contact GE Appliances directly for updates and assistance.
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.