Galanz Retro Refrigerators Recalled Nationwide Due to Fire and Burn Hazard, One Fatality Reported

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has announced a significant recall impacting approximately 121,680 Galanz retro-style refrigerators. This recall is being issued due to a serious risk of fire and burn hazards stemming from the potential for the internal electrical components to short circuit and ignite. Consumers are urged to cease using these refrigerators immediately.

The recalled refrigerators, manufactured by Zhongshan Galanz of China and imported by Home Depot and Galanz Americas Limited Company, were sold nationwide at Home Depot stores and online through Amazon.com. The units were available for purchase between January 2019 and September 2022, with prices ranging from $330 to $520. The retro design featured various colors, including black, blue, red, and white, with a height of approximately 58 inches, a depth of 24 inches, and a width of 21 inches. These 7.6 cubic foot capacity refrigerators are characterized by a top freezer with a separate door, three adjustable glass shelves, one drawer, and a handle for the main refrigerator door. The “Galanz” brand name is printed on the front of the units.

The specific models included in this recall are identifiable by model numbers BCD-215V-62H, GLR76TRDER, GLR76TBKER, GLR76TBEER, or GLR76TWEER, followed by a date code in YYYYMM format. Crucially, only refrigerators with date codes ranging from December 2018 through December 2020 are subject to this recall. This identifying information, including the “Galanz” brand name, model number, and date code, can be found on a white label located in the upper left-hand corner on the back of the unit. The CPSC is aware of 34 reports detailing fires involving these refrigerators, with one incident tragically resulting in a fatality, as confirmed by local fire department reports.

Consumers who own one of the affected Galanz retro refrigerators are instructed to immediately unplug the unit and discontinue its use. To arrange for a free in-home repair by a qualified technician, consumers should contact Galanz Americas. They can be reached by phone at 888-462-0579, Monday through Friday, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Eastern Time. Alternatively, consumers can send an email to customerservice@galanzamericas.com or visit GalanzRetroFridgeRecall.expertinquiry.com or http://www.galanz.com/us/ and click on the “PRODUCT RECALLS” link at the top of the page for more information.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)

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