CPSC expands Frigidaire minifridge recall tied to fire risk at Target

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission posted an expanded recall notice on January 15, 2026 for certain Frigidaire-brand minifridges, including model EFMIS121 and related serial ranges, after internal electrical components were found capable of shorting and igniting the plastic housing. The agency said the defect creates fire and burn hazards and listed incidents and reports of property damage.

Target sold the recalled model in red at its stores and on Target.com from January 2020 through October 2023 for about $30. The recall notice specifies the affected serial number ranges and directs consumers to stop using affected models immediately, unplug and mark units, register for the refund and repair program at the recall website, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions to receive a remedy. The notice also lists importer contact information and the remedy instructions available to owners.

For Target employees, the recall has practical implications across multiple teams. Guest services and front-end associates can expect a rise in customers returning units or seeking information about whether a model is covered. The CPSC instructs retailers to process refunds or gift-card credits as part of the remedy, so cashiers and returns desk staff will be directly involved in executing those transactions and explaining next steps to guests.

Backroom and distribution teams will likely handle returned inventory, quarantine recalled units, and coordinate with store leadership about where to store returned product pending manufacturer pickup or further instructions. Store safety or asset protection teams may be called on to address potential in-store hazards if a unit appears damaged, to document incidents, and to manage challenging customer interactions that can arise when guests are anxious about a safety issue.

Managers should watch for official communications from Target leadership and the manufacturer with operational instructions that align with the CPSC notice. In the meantime, stores should identify any floor models or backstock that match the serial ranges named in the recall and follow the recall guidance to unplug and label those units so they are not sold or used.

This expanded recall underscores how even low-cost appliances can create outsized work for frontline teams when safety issues emerge. For employees, the immediate priorities are guest safety, clear and calm communication, accurate processing of refunds or credits per the recall instructions, and close coordination with distribution and safety colleagues. Expect follow-up guidance from corporate and the importer as the recall remedy is implemented, and plan for an uptick in returns volume in the weeks ahead.