Home cooks use a grill brush to theoretically make outdoor cooking safer and easier.
A recently recalled set of products from Walmart, though, did the opposite by creating a hidden danger that could send someone to the hospital.
Here's what to know
As WSB-TV reported, the giant retailer has recalled millions of Expert Grill brushes after reports that metal bristles can break off, stick to grills or food, and potentially be swallowed.
According to the recall document from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, 4.477 million Expert Grill brushes sold by Walmart are included in the recall. Swallowing one of the loose bristles could lead to internal injuries serious enough to require surgery.
Across the affected products, prices ranged from $1 to $28, sales ran from January 2021 through August 2026, and the brushes had either black plastic or stainless-steel handles. The CPSC added that some versions also had a scraper.
More background
The recall applies to five products: a grill scrub-and-scrape tool, 16 inches long; a handheld grill-cleaning scrub brush with an ergonomic handle; a 21-inch three-head grill brush featuring stainless-steel bristles and a soft-grip handle; a 17.7-inch grill brush with a long handle and scraper; and a 10-piece stainless-steel BBQ tool set.
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The CPSC's document noted the distribution date for each of the products, and all of them were in circulation through August of this year.
On the positive side, the recall document noted that there are currently no reported injuries or incidents involving accidental ingestion of the metal bristles.
What can be done?
People who have one of the affected Expert Grill brushes should stop using it and reach out to Walmart to request a refund or store credit.
The CPSC said Walmart will tell customers whether the brush should be returned or thrown away.
Shoppers can also compare the product name and model number against the recall list, especially if the brush came in a grilling tool set or has been sitting in a garage or outdoor cooking bin for a while.
Consumers looking for details can contact Walmart at 800-925-6278 or through the company's website, per the CPSC's recall document.
Where can I learn more?
Kitchen tools and cookware can all raise safety concerns.
• BlendJet customers said company replacement problems left them without recalled blenders.
• Consumers also faced warnings that scratched nonstick pans may shed microplastics into food.
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