Anaheim and Moen Recall Garbage Disposals Due to Impact Hazard

What was recalled

In April of 2017, a significant safety alert was issued concerning a specific line of garbage disposals manufactured by Anaheim Manufacturing. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reported that thousands of these units were sold under various brand names, including Anaheim, Moen, Franke, Frigidaire, Kenmore, Kitcheneater, Luxart, Waste King, and Gemline. The core issue involves disposals with either 3/4 horsepower or 1 horsepower motors. These powerful kitchen appliances are designed to grind food waste into small particles, allowing it to pass through your plumbing system. However, this recall affects a wide array of models across these brands because they share similar internal components that proved vulnerable to failure.

The recalled products are easily identifiable by their physical characteristics and labeling. The disposal housings were sold in several colors, specifically silver, gray, black, and blue. Regardless of the color, each unit bears the brand name printed on its exterior. To determine if you own a recalled unit, you must look for a label located on either the bottom or the side of the disposal. This label contains the crucial information: the brand name, the model number, and the serial number. It is important to note that the model numbers are not uniform across all brands; instead, Anaheim Manufacturing assigned specific model codes to each branded line. For instance, the Moen GX series uses models like GX75C and GX100C, while Waste King’s Legend Series includes models such as 9980, L-8000, and 9950. Other brands have their own unique identifiers, such as Franke’s FWD75BR or Kenmore’s 587-70351E.

The scope of this recall is quite broad, encompassing a vast number of units sold in the United States. The products were distributed through various retail channels and installed in homes over several years prior to the April 11, 2017 recall date. Because Anaheim Manufacturing produces disposals for multiple brand names, consumers might not realize that their "non-Anaheim" branded disposal is actually part of this specific safety alert. The variety of model numbers listed in the official report is extensive, ranging from batch feed waste disposers to continuous feed models, and from 3-bolt mount units to EZ mount installations. This wide distribution means that households across the country may have been affected, making it essential for owners to verify their specific model and serial number against the official list provided by Anaheim Manufacturing.

Understanding exactly what was recalled is the first step in ensuring your kitchen remains safe. The recall does not affect all garbage disposals, only those with the specific horsepower ratings and model numbers detailed in the CPSC notice. If you are unsure whether your unit is included, do not guess. The safest approach is to locate the label on your disposal and compare the printed details directly with the official recall information. This careful verification process helps distinguish between standard, safe products and those that require immediate attention. By identifying the correct product early, you can take the necessary steps to remedy the situation before any potential issues arise.

The hazard, explained

Garbage disposals are designed to be the hardworking, often unseen backbone of kitchen hygiene, grinding away food waste so your pipes stay clear. However, in this specific recall involving Anaheim and Moen units, a critical structural failure can occur that turns a routine appliance into a potential projectile. The core issue lies within the internal mechanics of the disposal unit. During normal operation, the motor spins a metal component—often part of the grinding assembly or a retaining mechanism—at extremely high speeds to pulverize food. In the recalled models, this specific metal part is susceptible to breaking off entirely.

When this internal component fractures, it does not simply disappear into the ground drain. Instead, the force of the spinning motor can eject the broken piece out of the disposal housing and into your sink bowl. This is what the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) refers to as an "impact hazard." Imagine a small, sharp shard of metal suddenly shooting out from under the sink with significant velocity. While the recalled disposals come in various sizes (3/4 HP and 1 HP), the power behind them is substantial enough that even a relatively small piece of broken metal can travel far enough to strike someone standing at the counter.

The danger here is twofold: physical injury from the object itself and the unexpected nature of the event. According to the recall facts, there have been 22 reported incidents where this metal component exited the unit. Most concerning are the three reports where a broken component actually struck a consumer. While no injuries were reported in these specific instances, the potential for harm is real. A flying piece of metal could cause lacerations, eye injuries, or even dental damage if it hits someone while they are washing dishes or rinsing produce. The unpredictability of which unit might fail adds to the stress; you cannot see the internal wear and tear that leads to this breakage until it happens.

To put this in perspective, garbage disposals rely on precise balance and structural integrity. When a metal piece breaks free inside the chamber, it becomes an uncontrolled projectile. Because these units are installed directly under the sink—often just inches away from where hands, faces, or eyes are positioned—the proximity makes any ejection particularly dangerous. This is not a slow leak or a minor malfunction; it is a sudden release of energy that can cause immediate physical trauma. Understanding this mechanism helps explain why the remedy is so urgent: you cannot reliably predict when the component will snap, making continued use an unnecessary risk.

Who is most at risk

When we talk about who is most at risk from this specific recall, it is important to look at two different groups: the people who directly own or use these garbage disposals, and the individuals within a household who might be physically more vulnerable if an incident were to occur. The primary group at risk here is anyone with a kitchen equipped with one of the 3/4 or 1 horsepower disposals manufactured by Anaheim and Moen between 2008 and 2017. These units are widespread because they were sold under many different brand names, including well-known retailers like Franke, Frigidaire, Gemline, Kenmore, Kitcheneater, Luxart, Stream33, Waste King, and others. If your disposal was silver, gray, black, or blue and has the brand name printed on the housing, you likely have one of these units installed in your home.

While any user is at risk of being struck by a metal component that breaks off during operation, certain demographics face higher stakes due to physical vulnerability. Children are particularly at risk because of their proximity to the sink and their developing motor skills. Young children often stand on step stools or chairs to reach the faucet or look into the disposal while it is running. If a metal fragment were to eject from the unit during use, a child’s smaller stature means they would be directly in the line of fire, potentially resulting in more severe impact injuries to the face, eyes, or head compared to an adult who might be standing slightly further back.

Elderly individuals or those with mobility issues also present a higher risk profile. If a metal component breaks and flies out, it can startle anyone, but for an older adult, the sudden shock could cause them to lose their balance. A fall while standing at the sink, especially on wet tile floors common in kitchens, could lead to secondary injuries such as fractures or head trauma that are far more dangerous than the initial impact of the metal piece itself. Furthermore, if the ejected component hits an elderly person directly, their thinner skin and potentially brittle bones make them more susceptible to serious injury from even a small flying object.

It is also worth noting that while no injuries have been reported in the 22 incidents documented by the firms, the potential for harm is real. The fact that three reports involved a broken component hitting consumers directly highlights that this is not just a mechanical failure but a physical hazard to anyone standing nearby. Therefore, the risk is not limited to the person operating the disposal but extends to any family member or guest who happens to be in the kitchen area when the unit is active. Because the metal component can break off and come out of the disposal during normal use, everyone in the household should treat these units with caution until a free replacement is installed.

How to tell if you have the recalled item

Before you take any action or call the manufacturer, you need to be certain that your specific unit is part of this recall. Because these garbage disposals were sold under a variety of different brand names and model numbers, simply knowing that you have an "Anaheim" or "Moen" disposal isn't enough. The CPSC has identified a wide range of models across multiple brands that share the same hazardous metal component. To determine if your unit is affected, you must locate the identification label and verify three specific pieces of information: the brand name, the model number, and the serial number.

The first step is to find the label. This sticker is typically located on the bottom or the side of the disposal unit. You will need to look underneath your sink, often requiring you to shine a flashlight into the space behind the plumbing pipes where the disposal is mounted. Once you locate the label, check the brand name printed there. The recall applies to disposals bearing the brands Anaheim, Moen, Barracuda, Franke, Frigidaire, Gemline, Kenmore, Kitcheneater, Luxart, Stream33, Waste King, and others listed in the official notice.

Next, verify the model number. The affected units are specifically 3/4 horsepower and 1 horsepower models. However, not all disposals with these specifications are recalled. You must cross-reference your model number against the official list provided by CPSC. For example, if you have a Waste King unit, only specific Legend Series models like the 9980, L-8000, or A1SPC are included. If you have a Moen disposal, it is likely affected if it is from the GX Series (such as GX75C or GX100C). Do not guess; compare your number digit-for-digit with the recall data.

Finally, and perhaps most critically, you must check the serial number. Even if your model number matches, the recall only applies to units with specific serial number prefixes. For many models, such as the Barracuda 681-4001 or the Luxart LXFIN1C, the serial number must start with "1L5," "1M5," "1A6," or "1A7." For other brands like Frigidaire or Kenmore, you might look for a specific letter in the second position, such as "ZF" or "G." Some models require you to check the third position for the number "6." If your serial number does not match these exact patterns, your unit is likely safe. The housings of these recalled units were sold in silver, gray, black, and blue colors, but color alone is never a reliable indicator of whether your disposal is hazardous.

What to do — step by step

Your refund, repair, or replacement options

If you discover that your garbage disposal is part of this recall, the most important thing to know right away is that you do not need to pay for the solution. The remedy provided by Anaheim Manufacturing is straightforward and consumer-friendly: they will provide a free replacement disposal unit. This means there is no cost to you for the new product itself. Furthermore, the company has committed to covering the labor costs associated with having the new unit installed. You are not expected to spend any of your own money to resolve this safety issue, whether that money would have gone toward buying a new appliance or paying a professional handyman to remove the old one and fit the new one in its place.

To get this process started, you must reach out directly to Anaheim Manufacturing. They have established specific channels for customers to contact them regarding this recall. You can call their dedicated recall hotline at 800-628-0797. When you call, please be prepared to do so during their designated service hours, which are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. If you prefer to handle the logistics online, you can visit their official website at www.anaheimmfg.com. Once there, look for the section labeled "Product Recalls" to find the specific information and forms needed to initiate your replacement.

Before you contact them, it is wise to have all the relevant details about your unit ready. The recall affects a wide variety of models under several brand names, including Anaheim, Moen, Franke, Frigidaire, Gemline, Kenmore, Kitcheneater, Luxart, Stream33, Waste King, and others. Your specific model number and serial number are critical for them to verify that your unit is indeed part of this batch. You can find these numbers printed on a label located on the bottom or side of the disposal housing. Having this information at hand will make your interaction with customer service much smoother and faster.

The goal of this remedy is to eliminate the impact hazard posed by the metal component that may break off during use. By installing a new, safe unit, you restore the full functionality of your kitchen waste management system without the risk of injury. Do not attempt to repair the existing unit yourself, as the internal component failure is not something that can be safely fixed with standard tools. Instead, let Anaheim Manufacturing handle the replacement and installation logistics so you can focus on getting back to your normal routine safely.

What can happen if you ignore it

It is entirely understandable why you might hesitate to stop using your garbage disposal. These appliances are woven into the fabric of our daily routines, making quick work of food scraps that would otherwise clutter your sink and trash bin. When a recall notice arrives, the immediate reaction is often one of inconvenience. You may think, "It’s only happened three times," or "I haven’t noticed anything wrong yet." However, ignoring this specific hazard is not merely a matter of delaying a repair; it is an invitation for a mechanical failure to become a physical threat. The core issue here is not a slow decline in performance, but a sudden, unpredictable structural collapse within the unit’s housing.

The recall highlights that a metal component inside the disposal can break off during normal operation. This is not a minor scratch or a loose screw; it is a part of the internal mechanism failing under stress. When you continue to use the unit, you are essentially running a machine with a compromised structural integrity every time you turn it on. The vibration and rotational force generated by the grinding process exert tremendous pressure on these internal parts. If that metal component breaks free, it does not simply disappear. It becomes a projectile or a loose object traveling at high speed within the confined space of the disposal chamber.

The consequences of this failure are grounded in the reality of how these units are installed and used. Because garbage disposals are mounted directly beneath your sink, they are in close proximity to your hands, wrists, and forearms as you load food waste or clear clogs. The reported incidents confirm that broken components have physically struck consumers. While no serious injuries were officially recorded in the 22 reports filed with the CPSC, the fact that three individuals were hit is a significant warning sign. Imagine the force of a heavy metal fragment ejecting from the unit while your hand is resting on the sink edge or reaching into the basin. Even if you do not suffer a laceration, the impact can cause bruising, nerve shock, or accidental slips that lead to cuts from other kitchen tools nearby.

Beyond the immediate risk of being hit, there is a secondary danger of electrical hazards and further mechanical damage. A loose metal component inside a motor housing can short-circuit internal wiring, potentially leading to sparks, smoke, or an electrical shock, especially in a wet environment like a kitchen sink. Furthermore, if the broken part jams the grinding mechanism, the motor may overheat or burn out entirely, turning a free repair into a costly replacement bill that Anaheim Manufacturing would have covered. By ignoring the recall, you are gambling with your safety and your wallet. The risk of injury is not theoretical; it has already manifested in physical contact with users. The probability of an incident increases with every minute the faulty part remains inside the active unit. Stopping use immediately is the only way to ensure that a potential impact hazard does not become a personal injury.

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