In a concerning turn of events, over 13 million metal grill brushes have been recalled this year due to alarming reports of consumers accidentally swallowing loose bristles and subsequently requiring medical treatment. The gravity of the situation was highlighted by the recent case of a Minnesota teenager, Noah Walden, who had to undergo emergency surgery after swallowing one of these dangerous bristles at a family barbecue.
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Seventeen-year-old Noah Walden, from Stillwater, Minnesota, fell victim to one of these potentially hazardous grill brushes during a Memorial Day cookout. Unbeknownst to him, a metal bristle had dislodged from the brush and ended up in his burger. Days later, he began experiencing severe stomach pain, which prompted his parents to take him to the emergency department.
“I had two burgers, and my guess is one of them had the grill bristle in it,” said Walden, adding that he neither felt nor tasted anything unusual while eating. His symptoms quickly intensified, and he described the pain as unbearable, stating: “Got up, couldn’t lay back down. It was just so much pain.”
A CT scan revealed the shocking cause of his distress: a metal bristle had lodged itself in his intestine, puncturing the area and necessitating a serious surgical intervention. Following his diagnosis, Walden underwent a three-inch bowel resection, leaving him with a six-inch incision on his abdomen. His mother, Amie Walden, has since taken to social media to spread awareness, urging others to discard their metal grill brushes immediately.
“Get rid of your metal grill bristle brushes,” she advised, reflecting on the ordeal her son faced. Meanwhile, Noah expressed relief after the surgery, optimistically stating, “I’m just kind of glad that, you know, I could get it over with and eventually be done with this ongoing pain.”
The alarming increase in such incidents has prompted major grill manufacturers to recall their products. On March 26, Nexgrill announced the recall of approximately 10.2 million of their grill brushes due to ingestion hazards. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), there have been at least 68 instances reported where bristles detached from the brushes, alongside five accounts of consumers who required medical assistance after swallowing them.
Nexgrill acknowledged that small metal wire bristles can come loose during use, posing serious risks including potential internal injuries that may demand surgical intervention. The affected products are identifiable by their black plastic or wooden handles and specific model numbers: 530-0024, 530-0024G, 530-0034, 530-0039, 530-0041, and 530-0042. Customers purchased these items at Home Depot between 2015 and 2025.
In light of the growing safety concerns, the CPSC has advised consumers who own these brushes to stop using them immediately and to contact Nexgrill for a full refund. “Out of an abundance of caution, we made the proactive decision to voluntarily recall these brushes,” the company stated, emphasising its commitment to consumer safety.
Earlier in the year, Weber also recalled approximately 3.2 million metal wire bristle grill brushes following reports of bristles detaching, leading to similar safety concerns. In total, 38 incidences were documented, with four cases requiring medical treatment for bristle ingestion. Like Nexgrill, Weber has encouraged buyers of the affected models—numbered 6277, 6278, 6463, 6464, 6493, or 6494—to discontinue use and seek replacements.
Both manufacturers are cooperating with the CPSC in an effort to mitigate these risks and have urged consumers to remain vigilant when using grill brushes of any kind. Experts recommend using alternatives such as nylon bristle brushes or grill stones to minimise the risk of ingesting sharp metal objects.
As grilling season continues, it is crucial for consumers to be aware of the appliances and tools they use. The recent recalls serve as a stark reminder to prioritise safety at all times while enjoying outdoor cooking.