Walmart has issued a nationwide recall for roughly 850,000 Ozark Trail 64-ounce stainless steel insulated water bottles after serious injury reports—two reports of permanent vision loss—associated with a defective lid that can pose a dangerous hazard.
If you’re wondering, “Here’s why Walmart is recalling 850,000 water bottles,” the answer lies in consumer safety, based on a potentially dangerous design flaw.
The Hazard: Lids That Come Off with Force
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued a recall after three purchasers reported being hit in the face by the bottle’s lid, which can “eject with force” when opened. In two instances, the impact permanently impaired the user’s vision after the lid struck the user’s eye. The hazard occurred when the bottle was used to store food, carbonated beverages, or perishable liquids (e.g., juice or milk) for extended periods. Pressure can develop and build up within the bottle and when the screw-on lid is opened, the lid can detach suddenly and forcefully.
How to Recognize the Recalled Bottles
The recalled product is the Ozark Trail 64-ounce Stainless Steel Insulated Water Bottle, sold only at Walmart in stores and online since 2017 for about $15. The bottles are silver with a black, one-piece screw-on lid, and the Ozark Trail logo is located on the side. The model number, 83-662, is only printed on the original product packaging – not the water bottle – as such, consumers will need to identify the bottles by the logo and features.
What Should Consumers Do?
If you do possess the bottles, stop using the product immediately. Walmart is instructing consumers to return the product to any Walmart store for a full refund. Consumers can also call Walmart customer service at 800-925-6278, or visit their website for further instructions on the recall.
Walmart’s Response
Walmart has indicated that consumer health and safety are its highest priorities. “Walmart cooperatively worked with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and the impacted product’s manufacturer, to remove the product from our stores and notify consumers of the recall,” said a spokesperson for Walmart. The bottles came from China and were made by Olympia Tools International Inc. and were only sold through Walmart.
Why This Recall Matters
The fast action of Walmart and federal regulators shows how important it is to take rapid action to address defects in products to protect consumer safety. The potential of facial injuries and permanent vision impairment, made it essential for Walmart and federal regulators to act with haste, placing the safety of the public above sales. This recall also serves as a reminder for consumers to monitor safety alerts regarding products they used every day, especially for families and children using products from stores such as Walmart.
Walmart recalls 850,000 water bottles because of a hazardous defect with the lid that caused serious injury, including loss of sight in one case, consequently Walmart and federal authorities have taken immediate action. If you have the Ozark Trail 64-ounce stainless steel insulated water bottle, you need to stop using it and return it for full refund to protect you and your family.
