If you’ve grilled anything in Chicago in the last five years, there’s a decent chance you scrubbed the grates with a brush from Walmart. A new Walmart grill brush recall means it’s time to check which one you have.
Walmart is recalling about 4,477,655 Expert Grill wire brushes because the small metal bristles can come loose, stick to the grill and end up in your food. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced the Expert Grill brush recall on October 1.
The risk is real: swallowing a wire bristle can cause serious internal injuries that may need surgery. No incidents or injuries have been reported so far, but with millions of these brushes sold, it’s worth two minutes to check yours.
Which Expert Grill brushes are being recalled?
The recall covers five Expert Grill products sold at Walmart from January 2021 through August 2026, priced from $1 to $28:
- EX5607031616002 – 16-inch Steel Fiber Scrub Brush and Scraper
- EX5607031616003 – Handheld Steel Fiber Scrub Brush with Ergonomic Handle
- XG1310700206 – 21-inch 3-Head Grill Brush
- XG1136178597003 – Long Handle Grill Brush with Scraper, 17.7-inch
- XG1410700124 – 10-Piece BBQ Grill Tools Set
The brushes were made in China and imported by Walmart.
How to get a refund from the Walmart grill brush recall
Stop using it right away. Then either return it to any Walmart for a full refund or store credit, or throw it out.
If you have questions, Walmart’s recall line is 800-925-6278, Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Central.
Why are wire grill brushes risky?
Loose grill brush bristles have been a known hazard for years. The tiny wires can snap off a wire grill brush, cling to the grates and get cooked right into your burger or chicken without you noticing.
If you keep using a wire brush, check the grates closely before you cook, and wipe them down with a damp paper towel or cloth afterward. Plenty of people have switched to bristle-free options like coil brushes, wooden scrapers or a ball of crumpled foil held with tongs.
Grilling season isn’t over in Chicago yet, and plenty of us will be firing it up for fall tailgates. Check your brush first.
