Walmart has recalled approximately 850,000 stainless steel water bottles after reports showed that faulty lids caused injuries to three consumers, two of whom suffered permanent vision loss.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced the recall for Ozark Trail 64 oz Stainless Steel Insulated Water Bottles on July 10.
The bottles, sold for approximately $15 apiece at Walmart stores nationwide and online since 2017, were found to pose a risk of serious impact and laceration injuries because of the screw-on lid potentially ejecting forcefully when opened.
The CPSC stated: “When a consumer attempts to open the bottles after food, carbonated beverages or perishable beverages, such as juice or milk, are stored inside over time, the lid can eject forcefully.”
What To Know
The recalled bottles have a silver, stainless steel base, a black screw-on lid, and the Ozark Trail logo, and can be identified by model number 83-662 on the product packaging.
According to the CPSC, the potential hazard particularly arises when the bottles contain certain beverages for extended periods, which can cause their lid to “eject forcefully,” risking facial injury. Three people reported being injured by the lids, with two sustaining permanent vision loss after being struck in the eye.
Walmart Water Bottle Recall Details
- The recall applies to Ozark Trail 64 oz Stainless Steel Insulated Water Bottles with model number 83-662, identified on product packaging only.
- These bottles feature a silver body, black one-piece screw-on lid, and the Ozark Trail logo. The product has been available nationwide through Walmart stores and Walmart.com since 2017.
- Walmart and the CPSC received three reports of lids forcefully ejecting, hitting consumers in the face, and causing injury. Two cases resulted in permanent vision loss.
- The bottles were imported by Olympia Tools International Inc. of Covina, California, and were manufactured in China.
- Customers are instructed to stop using the product immediately, return the bottles to a Walmart store, or contact Walmart customer service at 800-925-6278 for a full refund.
What People Are Saying
A Walmart spokesperson said: “The health and safety of our customers is always a top priority. Walmart has fully cooperated with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and manufacturer of the impacted product to remove it from our stores and notify consumers of the recall.”
What Happens Next
The CPSC has urged all consumers who own the affected product to “stop using the now-recalled Ozark Trail bottles” and seek a full refund by returning them to any Walmart store. Customers may also contact Walmart customer service for recall number 25-377.
This article includes reporting by The Associated Press.
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