Millions of American grillers may need to take a closer look at the tools they use to clean their barbecues. Walmart has recalled more than 4.4 million Expert Grill wire-bristle brushes after concerns that loose metal bristles could detach and end up in food, creating a risk of serious internal injuries if swallowed. The recall covers five products sold in stores and online over several years. From identifying the affected models to understanding the available refund options, here are five important details every griller should know.
More Than 4.4 Million Expert Grill Brushes Are Included in the Recall
A routine grill-cleaning session could carry an unexpected risk for people using certain metal-bristle brushes sold at Walmart. On October 1, 2026, Walmart recalled approximately 4.48 million Expert Grill metal wire-bristle grill brushes because small metal bristles can detach during use. The affected products include brushes with black plastic or stainless-steel handles, with some models featuring an attached metal scraper. The recall covers five specific products, including individual cleaning brushes and a 10-piece stainless-steel grilling tool set. These brushes were sold at Walmart stores and online, with prices ranging from approximately $1 to $28. Although the products may look like ordinary grill-cleaning tools, the possibility of loose metal fragments makes the recall important for anyone who owns one. Consumers should check their brushes and packaging for the listed model numbers rather than relying on appearance alone. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has advised owners to stop using the affected products immediately and contact Walmart for a refund or store credit.
Loose Metal Bristles Could Cause Serious Internal Injuries if Swallowed
The main concern is that tiny metal bristles can separate from a brush and remain on the grill surface or stick to food. Because these fragments can be difficult to see, someone could accidentally swallow one while eating without realizing it. If ingested, a sharp metal bristle can become lodged in the throat or digestive tract, potentially causing serious internal injuries that require medical treatment or surgery. The danger is not limited to the person cleaning the grill because other people eating the food could also be exposed. The CPSC’s recall notice identifies the risk of serious internal injury as the reason for removing these products from the market. The agency reported no incidents or injuries associated with the recalled Walmart brushes at the time of its announcement. However, the absence of reported cases does not mean the hazard can be ignored. Anyone who owns an affected brush should stop using it rather than attempting to repair it or continuing to clean the grill more carefully. Switching to a suitable non-wire cleaning tool can help avoid the specific risk posed by detached metal bristles.
Five Expert Grill Products and Model Numbers Are Listed in the Recall
Not every grill brush sold under the Expert Grill name is automatically included in the recall, so checking the model number is essential. The CPSC has identified five affected products: EX5607031616002, the Expert Grill 16-inch Steel Fiber Scrub Brush and Scraper for Grills; EX5607031616003, the Expert Grill Handheld Steel Fiber Scrub Brush with Ergonomic Handle; XG1310700206, the Expert Grill 21-inch three-head Grill Brush with Stainless Steel Bristles and Soft-Grip Handle; XG1136178597003, the Expert Grill Long Handle Grill Brush with Scraper, measuring 17.7 inches; and XG1410700124, the Expert Grill 10-piece stainless-steel grilling tool set. The model number may appear on the product packaging or on a sticker or tag attached to the brush. Consumers who no longer have the original packaging should inspect the tool itself for identifying information. If a brush matches one of the listed models, it should be treated as recalled even if it appears intact or has not shown obvious signs of wear. Checking the exact model number is the most reliable way to determine whether a product falls within the recall.
The Recalled Brushes Were Sold at Walmart From 2021 Through 2026
A brush purchased several years ago could still be part of this recall, making it worth checking older grilling equipment stored in garages, sheds and outdoor kitchens. According to the CPSC, the affected products were sold at Walmart stores and online at Walmart.com from January 2021 through August 2026. The listed distribution periods differ by model. Two products were distributed from January 2025 through August 2026, while the three-head brush and long-handle brush were distributed over longer periods beginning in 2022 and 2021, respectively. The 10-piece grilling tool set was distributed from December 2023 through August 2026. Prices ranged from approximately $1 to $28, so the recall affects both inexpensive individual brushes and a larger grilling accessory set. The products were imported by Walmart Inc. and manufactured in China. Anyone who bought an Expert Grill brush during this period should compare its model number with the official recall list, particularly if the tool has been sitting unused since a previous grilling season. The purchase date alone cannot confirm whether a brush is affected, but it can help narrow down which products need checking.
Customers Can Stop Using the Brushes and Request a Refund or Walmart Credit
If you discover that your grill brush is included in the recall, the next step is straightforward: stop using it immediately and contact Walmart to arrange a remedy. The company is offering consumers a full refund or credit that can be used at a Walmart store or on Walmart.com. According to the CPSC, customers will be asked to return the recalled brush to Walmart or discard it. Do not continue using the product while waiting for instructions, and do not assume that removing visibly loose bristles will make it safe. Walmart provides recall assistance through its customer service number, 800-925-6278, available from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Central Time, Monday through Friday. Consumers can also visit Walmart’s help pages or its official product recall information page for details about the process. Before contacting the retailer, it may be useful to identify the model number and gather any available purchase information. Grilling enthusiasts should also inspect their grill surfaces and cooking tools for loose metal fragments before preparing food. If someone suspects they have swallowed a metal bristle, they should seek prompt medical advice rather than waiting for symptoms to develop.
