Walmart is recalling about 850,000 stainless steel water bottles because the lid can “forcefully eject” and unexpectedly strike consumers – resulting in permanent vision loss for two people to date.
The recall covers Walmart’s “Ozark Trail 64 oz Stainless Steel Insulated Water Bottles,” which have been sold at the chain’s stores across the United States since 2017.
According to a notice published by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission on Thursday, these products pose “serious impact and laceration hazards”.
That is because when a consumer attempts to open the bottles “after food, carbonated beverages or perishable beverages, such as juice or milk, are stored inside over time,” the lid can eject forcefully, the CPSC notes.
Walmart had received three reports of consumers who were injured after being struck in the face by the lids when opening their bottles.
And two of those people “suffered permanent vision loss after being struck in the eye,” the CPSC added.
Consumers are urged to stop using the now-recalled Ozark Trail bottles – and contact Walmart for a full refund.
Shoppers can also bring the products to their local Walmart store for that compensation.
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