Over 3.6 Million Grill Brushes Recalled Due to ‘Risk of Serious Internal Injuries’ After Consumer Reports of Swallowing Metal Bristles

Conair has announced the expansion of its recall on Cuisinart grill brushes, affecting more than 3.6 million units due to significant safety concerns involving metal bristles. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reported that the hazard arises from small wire bristles detaching from the brushes and potentially causing serious internal injuries if ingested. Among the reports received, three consumers required medical intervention after swallowing the detached bristles.

Initially, Conair recalled approximately 1.9 million Cuisinart metal wire bristle grill brushes on 27 August 2023, following an earlier recall of 1.7 million brushes in July. The total number of affected items now stands at an alarming 3,625,800. All models included in the recall feature handles made of black plastic, stainless steel, or wood and were sold in various retail settings alongside online platforms from June 2009 to March 2026.

The CPSC has detailed the hazards posed by these grill brushes. It warned that “small metal wire bristles can detach from the brushes and stick to the grill or food,” which presents a serious risk of injury. Conair had already acknowledged at least 54 instances where consumers reported detachment of the bristles, escalating from a previous wave of concerns associated with its products.

In its most recent announcement, the CPSC outlined numerous model numbers impacted by the expanded recall. Consumers possessing brushes labelled with any of the following model numbers: CGWM-024, CGWM-059, FCB-501, and several others, are advised that their products are unsafe. These brushes include popular models such as the Cuisinart Dual Grip Grill Brush and the Bamboo Cleaning Grill Brush, all of which are now under scrutiny.

The call for caution emerged starkly following personal accounts of serious health risks linked to the use of these brushes. One distressing case involved a teenager from Stillwater, Minnesota, who inadvertently swallowed a metal bristle while eating a burger at a barbecue. This incident highlighted the real-life consequences of the product defect, leading to emergency surgery to remove the bristle, which had nested within his intestine.

Following these incidents, consumers are urged to cease using any recalled grill brushes immediately. The CPSC and Conair have established a procedure for those affected to request refunds or store credit, which can be done through Cuisinart’s recall website. Users need to provide photographic proof of ownership, and upon submission, they are entitled to a full refund in addition to a bonus credit of 20% of the refunded amount.

Retailers involved in the sale of these grill brushes include well-known outlets such as Walmart, Burlington, and online marketplaces like Amazon. The recall is particularly concerning given the extensive time frame over which these products were available, illustrating the ongoing risks associated with their use even in years to come.

Additionally, this latest issue follows a trend of recalls among various brands over the past year. In an earlier wave, Nexgrill had voluntarily recalled over 10 million similar brushes due to concerns about bristles detaching, while Weber also recalled approximately 3.2 million brushes after consumer reports indicated similar dangers.

The CPSC continues to stress the importance of consumer awareness regarding these risks, especially as grilling season approaches. The overarching message from health authorities is unequivocal: grill users should discard any metal wire bristle brushes immediately to prevent potentially life-threatening incidents.