Galanz recalls 121,680 retro refrigerators over fires linked to one death

CPSC posted the recall today: about 121,680 Galanz retro refrigerators sold at Home Depot and Amazon can short-circuit and ignite, with 34 fire reports and one fatality. Plus 12 million Rohto eye drops recalled over sterility, a subpotent levothyroxine recall your pharmacy will not pass along, 178,000 OCTROT heated blankets over fire, and VW recalls 57,851 Atlas SUVs over a rearview camera that can go blank.

The kitchen appliance most likely to be running in your home right now leads today, and the reason is the worst possible outcome. The CPSC and Galanz Americas announced today a recall of about 121,680 Galanz retro refrigerators because internal electrical components can short circuit and ignite. CPSC is aware of 34 reports of fire involving the refrigerators, "one of which resulted in a fatality according to the local fire department report."

What is recalled. Galanz 7.6 cu. ft. retro-style top-freezer refrigerators in black, blue, red, or white, about 58 inches tall, sold at Home Depot stores nationwide and on Amazon.com for between $330 and $520. Only units with date codes from December 2018 through December 2020 (in YYYYMM format) and one of these model numbers are included: BCD-215V-62H, GLR76TRDER, GLR76TBKER, GLR76TBEER, or GLR76TWEER. "Galanz," the model number, and the date code are on a white label on the upper left corner on the back of the unit. The refrigerators were manufactured by Zhongshan Galanz in China and imported by Home Depot and Galanz Americas.

What to do. Unplug the refrigerator and stop using it until it is repaired. Galanz is offering free in-home repairs by qualified technicians. Register or request service at GalanzRetroFridgeRecall.expertinquiry.com, email customerservice@galanzamericas.com, or call 888-462-0579. (Franklin County Free Press, July 30)

A refrigerator that is six to eight years old and still plugged in is exactly the kind of defect a household would never connect to a recall on its own. Pull it out and check the back label today.

12 million Rohto eye drops recalled over sterility risk

The FDA has classified a recall of about 12.46 million bottles of Rohto Cooling Eye Drops because the manufacturer could not assure the products were sterile, and eye drops are applied directly to the surface of the eye. Rohto-Mentholatum (Vietnam) initiated the voluntary recall July 14, and the FDA classified it Class II on July 23, meaning serious harm is considered unlikely but temporary or medically reversible effects are possible. (Prevention, July 28; Boston 25 News, July 29)

What is recalled. Eight products totaling about 11.96 million cartons, or 12.46 million bottles counting twin packs: Rohto Cooling Eye Drops All-in-One, Max Strength (single and twin pack), Optic Glow, Digi Eye, Dry Aid (single and twin pack), and Cool Relief. Affected lot numbers and expiration dates run from July 2026 through February 2029, so bottles currently in homes and on store shelves are in scope. The full lot list is on the FDA enforcement report. The drops were distributed nationwide by The Mentholatum Company of Orchard Park, New York.

What to do. Stop using any recalled product immediately. Compare the product name, UPC, lot number, and expiration date on your package against the FDA list. Return the product to the place of purchase or dispose of it safely, and contact a healthcare professional if you develop eye pain, discharge, discomfort, or vision changes. Report adverse events to FDA MedWatch at fda.gov/safety/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088. (Yahoo News, July 29; medindia, July 30)

Levothyroxine thyroid medication recalled over subpotency, and your pharmacy will not tell you

A common thyroid drug is under a nationwide FDA Class II recall after routine testing found the tablets were subpotent, meaning they hold less active ingredient than the label says. The FDA classified the recall of levothyroxine sodium tablets on July 17. The tablets were manufactured by Lupin Pharmaceuticals and distributed by Major Pharmaceuticals and Cardinal Health. (Healthline, July 29)

The detail that makes this worth a block on its own: the recall is "limited to the retail level," in the FDA's and Major Pharmaceuticals' words, so pharmacies and health systems are not required to contact patients. Because most pharmacies repackage tablets into their own vials, the recall details will not be printed on your bottle.

What is recalled. Seven strengths from 25 to 150 micrograms across 12 products, shipped starting January 22, 2025, with some lots not expiring until January 2027. Major Pharmaceuticals lots include 25 mcg (lot N02212, NDC 0904-6949-61, exp 07/2026), 50 mcg (N02200, exp 10/2026), 75 mcg (N02172 exp 07/2026, and N02296 plus N02288 exp 12/2026), 88 mcg (N02310 exp 01/2027), 112 mcg (N02203 exp 09/2026), 125 mcg (N02266 exp 11/2026), and 150 mcg (N02167 exp 07/2026). Cardinal Health distributed five of the strengths under a second set of NDC numbers (55154 prefix) in bag and blister packaging.

What to do. Do not stop taking your medication. The FDA says stopping a recalled drug can sometimes cause more harm than continuing it. Instead, call the pharmacy where you last refilled your prescription, ask for the manufacturer, NDC number, and lot number on file, and compare those against the recall table. If you are concerned about a weaker dose, a blood test to check your thyroid levels is the reassurance step, since doctors monitor thyroid patients every three to six months anyway. Major Pharmaceuticals told its wholesale customers the use of the product "is not likely to cause adverse health effects."

178,000 OCTROT heated blankets recalled over fire and shock

Also in today's CPSC batch: about 178,000 OCTROT heated Sherpa throws and blankets sold on Amazon, recalled because the electrical cords can detach and ignite, posing fire, burn, and electrical-shock hazards. (CPSC, July 30; Franklin County Free Press, July 30)

What is recalled. OCTROT-branded throws and blankets in gray and yellow, white with gray, white with yellow, white with blue, and white with red, in five sizes from 50 by 60 inches up to 84 by 90 inches, with a white controller and five temperature settings. Model numbers OCT-5060, OCT-5062, OCT-6248, OCT-7284, or OCT-8490 are printed on the packaging. The controller cord has two or four small holes at the lower connection point.

What to do. Stop using the blanket, unplug it, and cut the electrical cord in half. Submit a photo to OCTROT for a full refund, then dispose of the blanket. Contact OCTROT at octroct.com/recall, OctrotRecall@gmail.com, or 800-928-1807.

VW recalls 57,851 Atlas SUVs over a rearview camera that can go blank

Volkswagen is recalling 57,851 of its largest SUVs because a low-voltage electrical event can make the rearview camera image fail to appear when the driver shifts into reverse. The recall covers 38,646 of the 2024-2026 Atlas and 19,205 of the 2024-2026 Atlas Cross Sport, all built through December 16, 2025. Volkswagen filed with NHTSA on July 22 and VINs became searchable July 28, with owner letters mailing September 18. (NHTSA; News & Observer, July 30)

VW is aware of 571 warranty claims potentially tied to the issue, dating from November 2023 to June 2026, but no crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths. It estimates about 1 percent of the recalled population actually shows the defect. The fix is a free software update at dealers. Until then, the agency says use extra caution when reversing. Contact Volkswagen at 1-800-893-5298, recall 91TV, or check your VIN at NHTSA.gov/recalls.

Tracking

Cyclospora. The aggregate count crossed 20,000 in Food Safety News's July 30 tally, though the CDC's own figures (6,707 lab-confirmed plus more than 11,500 suspected) are unchanged since July 28. Michigan hit 10,077 cases as of July 29 (freep.com), and the state's chief medical executive says emergency-department diarrhea visits are slowing, a sign the outbreak may have peaked there. The Taylor Farms shredded-iceberg recall stands; Walmart Marketside Iceberg Salad and Shredded Lettuce with Best if Used By July 18 through August 3 are still in the return window. Walmart refunds at 1-800-925-6278, Taylor Farms at 855-455-0098. As covered yesterday.
Eggs (Salmonella). Holds at 98 illnesses, 26 hospitalizations, 0 deaths across 17 states (CDC, July 24). The 1,589,577-dozen Midwest Poultry recall (Kroger, Simple Truth, Brookshire's, Country Morning, Sunups; plant code P-1950 or 840962; sell-by July 20 through August 17) is still in the sell-by window. Return to the store for a refund, or call 574-405-9531.
Nara infant formula (botulism). Holds at 4 hospitalized infants (CA 2, PA 1, WA 1), no new cases since the June 13 notice (CDC). All lots of Nara Organics formula sold at Target and Nara.com are recalled.
Clover Hill cheese (Listeria). Ongoing, 12 illnesses, 10 hospitalizations, 1 death in Maryland, unchanged since late June (CDC). La Ceiba requeson (La Colonia, Selectos Latinos) expired July 10, now 20 days past, so throw it out. Maryland suspended Clover Hill's license.
California Dairies (Salmonella, powdered milk). Ongoing into its fourth month, 2.7 million pounds of nonfat dry milk recalled April 20 with 40-plus downstream products, 0 illnesses (FDA).
Kia Telluride. 462,869 of the 2020-2024 Telluride are under recall 26V430 over power-seat fires; park outside until the electronic fuse is installed. Letters mail August 13. Check your VIN at NHTSA.gov/recalls, Kia 1-800-333-4542.
Ford. Three active recalls this month: the Bronco engine-bay fire (26V468), the second-row seat that can move (26V451, interim letters mailing now, parts not until January 2027), and the driver seat that reclines on its own (26V470). Explorer, Aviator, and Bronco owners should check a VIN.