Walmart Urges Millions of Customers to Stop Using BBQ Cleaning Brushes
Retail giant Walmart is urging millions of customers who have purchased BBQ cleaning brushes in the past five years to discontinue their use, as tiny metal bristles could potentially detach and be left on the grill. If these sharp metal wires are accidentally ingested along with food, they could injure the mouth, throat, or cause severe damage to the digestive system, posing a significant safety risk to human health.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Walmart has recalled nearly 4.4 million Expert Grill BBQ brushes out of concerns that the steel bristles may come loose during cleaning, getting stuck on the grill or in the food, potentially leading to injuries requiring surgical intervention.
The recall was announced on October 1st and includes five different products sold at Walmart physical stores and online platforms (including Walmart.com), with prices ranging from 1 to 28 US dollars.
Although no reports of injuries or accidents have been received so far, consumers may not be fully aware of the potential dangers. The small metal bristles could detach from the brush and remain on the surface of the grill grate, or adhere to the food.
Some of the affected brushes have been distributed since January 2021, meaning that consumers may have purchased these brushes in the years leading up to the recall event.
These products are sold under Walmart’s Expert Grill brand and include handheld brushes, long-handled brushes with scrapers, triple-head stainless steel bristle brushes, and brushes in a 10-piece BBQ tool set.
The handles of the recalled brushes are made of black plastic or stainless steel, and some brushes come with metal scrapers attached. Consumers can identify the affected products by checking the model numbers listed in the CPSC recall notice.
Walmart will offer full refunds or shopping vouchers to customers at Walmart stores or on Walmart.com. Customers will be required to return the recalled brushes or dispose of them.
A spokesperson for Walmart, in an interview with FOX BUSINESS, emphasized that customer safety is always the company’s top priority. Walmart has been collaborating with the CPSC and manufacturers to remove the affected products from shelves and notify consumers.
These products are manufactured in China and imported by Walmart.
Consumers can call Walmart at 800-925-6278 or visit the company’s product recall website during Central U.S. time from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Monday to Friday, for more information.