Most of us grab a water bottle without a second thought. It’s a simple item, right? But sometimes, even the most basic things can hide a serious risk. Recently, a major retailer had to remove hundreds of thousands of water bottles from sale. Walmart is recalling over 800,000 Ozark Trail 64-ounce stainless steel bottles. Why? Because these seemingly harmless containers have led to severe eye injuries.
A Hidden Danger in Your Bottle
The problem lies with the bottle’s lid. If you put certain liquids inside, like those that can ferment, gas builds up. This internal pressure can become extreme. When someone tries to open the bottle, the lid can suddenly shoot off with great force. It turns into a dangerous projectile.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, or CPSC, shared details about three reported incidents. In these cases, the flying lids struck people in the face. Sadly, two individuals suffered permanent vision loss in one eye. This shows how serious the design flaw truly is.
These particular Ozark Trail bottles are silver with a screw-on top. They’ve been sold in Walmart stores for nearly a decade. Finding your bottle’s model number might be tricky. The number 83 666 is printed on the product’s packaging, not on the bottle itself. This recall, issued on Saturday, July 10, affects about 850,000 bottles.
What Walmart and the CPSC Are Doing
Walmart has fully cooperated with the CPSC to address this safety concern. Both groups are working to make sure consumers know about the danger. They also make it easier for people to get their money back.
If you own one of these 64-ounce Ozark Trail bottles, stop using it right away. This is especially true if you’ve used it for anything other than plain water. You can take the bottle to any Walmart store for a full refund. You don’t even need a receipt.
While three incidents might seem like a small number compared to hundreds of thousands of bottles, the harm caused is irreversible. Losing sight in an eye is a life-altering event. This situation reminds us that product safety isn’t just a guideline; it’s vital for our well-being. Always pay attention to recall notices, even for everyday items.