CPSC to Look at Grill Brush Safety, Says Feldman

CPSC Chairman Peter Feldman February 26 said that the agency is reviewing the safety of wire grill brushes generally. This was in his promotion (bit.ly/4086qBF) of Weber's recall of 3.2 million units of multiple models and involving 38 incidents of bristles detaching, four with injuries (PSL, 3/2/26).

He praised Weber's cooperation in the recall but warned:

"Manufacturers of similar products have a choice: work proactively with CPSC to address known hazards or face continued enforcement scrutiny. The Commission will use its authorities as appropriate to ensure hazardous products are removed from the marketplace."

He recommended discarding metal brushes and switching to non-metal alternatives, the remedy in the Weber recall. He also urged inspecting grill surfaces as well as food.

Two years ago (PSL, 6/17/24), Health Canada reviewed incident in that nation, finding 45 in 2011-2023 with 18 resulting in hospitalizations. Injury patterns were ingestion or inhalation. Victims were 53.3% female and 46.7% male. Ages were 1-4 years (7 cases), 5-9 (14), 10-14 (8), 15-29 (6), and 30+ (10). There was no seasonal trend.

Canada uses CSA Z630:19, Barbecue Grill Brushes, which addresses bristle attachment strength, bristle durability, replacement brush heads, warning permanency and instructional literature. Its publication followed 2018 Health Canada attention (PSL, 5/28/18) when the agency gave four tips: frequently looking for bristle damage, inspecting grills for loose bristles, stopping use if discovering either, and buying new brushes regularly.

Fourteen years ago (PSL, 7/9/12), the U.S. Centers for Disease Control reviewed incidents in Rhode Island but could not identify the brands involved.