Weber-Stephen Products has issued a nationwide recall of approximately 3.2 million metal wire grill brushes after federal regulators determined that loose bristles pose a risk of serious internal injury if accidentally ingested. According to an official notice published by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, the recall was announced on February 22, 2024, and applies to several models of Weber-branded metal wire brushes sold through major retailers and online platforms.

Federal safety officials report that the brushes can shed small metal bristles during normal use. If those bristles remain on a cooking surface and become embedded in food, they can be swallowed, creating the risk of internal puncture injuries requiring medical treatment or surgery. The CPSC alert states that Weber received multiple reports of injuries consistent with detached bristles.

According to reporting by KGW, the recall covers brushes sold over several years through retailers including hardware chains, department stores, and e‑commerce marketplaces. Weber is offering consumers replacements and additional guidance through its recall support program.

The recall has local relevance for Cowlitz County, where grilling equipment is widely sold in big-box and hardware stores serving Longview, Kelso, and surrounding communities. No local injuries were identified in the CPSC announcement, but the hazard profile applies broadly to any household using the affected products. Federal officials advise consumers to stop using the recalled brushes immediately and follow the replacement instructions provided in the agency’s recall bulletin.

Why this matters

CPSC recalls of common household tools are not unusual, but the size of this recall and the potential severity of injuries elevate its significance for local families. Grill brush bristle ingestion has been a documented safety concern for years, and this large-scale recall highlights ongoing challenges around consumer product safety, routine maintenance tools, and the limitations of visual inspection in preventing accidental ingestion hazards.

Households across Cowlitz County that frequently grill—whether at home, in parks, or at community gatherings—may have one or more of the affected Weber brushes. Because the recall spans multiple years of sales, older tools still in use could fall under the recall even if they appear intact.

Information on model numbers, identification details, and return procedures is available through the CPSC’s recall page linked in the federal notice.

Conclusion

The CPSC’s February 2024 announcement underscores a broad consumer safety issue affecting millions of households nationwide, including those in Southwest Washington. Residents using Weber metal wire grill brushes are advised to check model information carefully and discontinue use of any affected products in line with federal guidance.

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