Expanded recall details

Curtis International — the Canada‑based importer — announced the expansion after reports of fires involving the compact Frigidaire EFMIS121 mini‑refrigerator. The addition raises the total recalled units to approximately 964,000, including models from an earlier July 2024 recall. For the official federal notice, see the CPSC recall notice.

Affected products and serial numbers

The expansion specifically adds the Frigidaire EFMIS121 6‑can minifridge — commonly sold in red — which was sold exclusively at Target stores and Target.com between January 2020 and October 2023 for about $30. The recalled EFMIS121 units carry serial numbers A2001 through A2310. The Frigidaire logo appears on the front and the model and serial number appear on the back label. Source coverage from local reporting is available at Fox26.

Earlier models included in July 2024 recall

The original recall in July 2024 covered additional Frigidaire models including EFMIS129, EFMIS137, EFMIS149 and EFMIS175, limited to specific serial‑number ranges. Those units were sold through multiple retailers, including Walmart and Amazon, and came in colors such as red, black and blue. See the manufacturer notice at the Curtis recall page for full lists.

Incidents and hazards

Per the CPSC recall notice, Curtis has received at least six reports of EFMIS121 units catching fire, resulting in property damage; no injuries were reported for this specific model. The earlier July 2024 recall covered 26 reports of overheating, melting or fire, including two smoke‑inhalation injuries and over $700,000 in property damage.

“Internal electrical parts can short‑circuit and ignite the surrounding plastic housing,” the agency stated, identifying the core risk that prompted the expansion.

What consumers should do now

The CPSC and Curtis International recommend immediate safety steps for owners of affected minifridges:

  • Stop using the minifridge immediately.
  • Unplug it and cut the power cord to prevent accidental reuse.
  • Mark the door “Recall” in permanent marker to warn others.
  • Register for a refund at the manufacturer’s recall portal: recall registration page.
  • Dispose of the unit according to local appliance and electronics rules.
  • For assistance contact Curtis International toll‑free at 888‑727‑0198 (8 a.m. to 12 a.m. ET, Monday–Friday) or email recall@curtiscs.com.

Manufacturer and retailer response

Curtis International expanded the recall after reports of fire and burn hazards and published instructions for identifying affected units and obtaining refunds on its recall page. Target confirmed the EFMIS121 units were sold exclusively through its stores and website; Target has not announced a separate refund program outside the manufacturer’s recall process. See media coverage at Fox Business.

Why this happened (what investigators say)

Investigators say the primary cause is overheating or shorting of electrical components inside the units. When electrical failures occur near the plastic housing, the material can ignite. The pattern of similar incidents across models led the CPSC and Curtis to expand the recall to include the newly identified serial‑number ranges.

Reporting and verification

The official expansion is documented on the CPSC recall notice, which includes model/serial ranges, photos and safety instructions. Local and national outlets, including Fox26, Fox Business, and consumer roundups such as Parade have summarized the guidance; rely on the CPSC and Curtis pages for the most current instructions.

Implications for consumers, institutions and policy

Economic: The recall affects nearly one million units and carries direct refund and return costs for the company and retailers, and potential insurance or property claim effects for homeowners and landlords.

Policy: The expansion underscores the CPSC’s consumer‑protection role and may spur lawmakers to pursue stricter oversight of low‑cost electronics and imported components.

Practical: Colleges, landlords and employers should inventory appliances, unplug and remove recalled units, and register for refunds at the recall registration page.

Where to find more information

For immediate assistance contact Curtis International toll‑free at 888‑727‑0198 (8 a.m. to 12 a.m. ET, Monday–Friday) or email recall@curtiscs.com. To register and request a refund use the recall registration page.