Dozens of fridge freezers sold in Ireland have been recalled due to a fire and electric shock risk, with customers urged to unplug them immediately.
File photo of a fridge freezer(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Dozens of fridge freezers sold in Ireland have been urgently recalled with homes being warned to stop using them immediately due to a potential fire risk.
The recall, issued on Thursday, affects certain GoodHome Integrated Fridge Freezers sold by B&Q Ireland between February 2022 and April 2026.
According to the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC), the automatic defrost mechanism in the affected appliances may overheat, which could lead to localised damage and create a risk of fire or electric shock.
It explained: “Kingfisher International Products B.V. is carrying out a recall of GoodHome Integrated Fridge Freezers. The risk reported to the CCPC is fire and electric shock. The automatic defrost mechanism may overheat, leading to localised damage and could create a risk of fire or electric shock.”
Around 63 affected products are believed to have been sold. The impacted models are two GoodHome Classic Integrated Automatic Defrost Fridge Freezer in White. One has the product number GHBI7030FFUK 70:30 and barcode 5059340169538, and the other has the product number GHBI5050FFUK 50:50 and barcode 5059340169545.
The model and serial number can be found on the rating label inside the appliance door.
Kingfisher International Products B.V. is carrying out a recall of GoodHome Integrated Fridge Freezers.(Image: B&Q)
Customers who own one of the affected products are being urged to stop using it immediately, switch it off and unplug it from the mains.
The CCPC added: “Customers should stop using the product immediately, switch it off, and unplug it from the mains.”
Manufacturer Kingfisher International Products B.V. is carrying out the recall, with B&Q offering a number of options to affected customers.
These include a full refund plus €170 towards installation costs, a free equivalent replacement product with a €170 installation allowance or a replacement with installation arranged by B&Q at no extra charge.
Full details of each option and instructions on how to proceed are provided in B&Q’s web notice here.
Customers are advised not to dispose of or pass on the appliance, as B&Q will arrange collection of the recalled units. Those who have lost food due to the fault may also be able to claim up to €85 in compensation.
The B&Q customer services helpline can be reached on 1800 946 327.
Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.