The consumer product security commission says that Walmart was allegedly aware for seven years that a recently withdrawal bottle of water that was sold in its stores represents a danger before two people were partially blinded by it.
Last month, Walmart announced that it would withdraw around 850,000 stainless steel water bottles of 64 ounces Ozark Trail after reports arose that the tapas could “expel strongly”, causing serious injuries, including partial blindness in two users. The retailer said that customer safety is a priority and offered complete reimbursements of $ 15 to the owners of the affected bottles.
However, a review of the CPSC documents and legal presentations reveals that Walmart had been aware of the danger since 2018. In one of the first reported incidents, dating from March 2018, a woman out of Atlanta was seriously injured when a “exploded” lid of a bottle containing soup made and hit his eye, he Washington Post information.
Two additional cases followed the same year: one involved hard apple cider stored in the bottle, which “its left oular balloon broke.” Another involved mango juice, which caused “mass damage” to a user's jaw and face. The three incidents resolved privately.
In 2020, Walmart added warning inserts to the bottles, advising consumers who only use them for water, since it was believed that inappropriate use triggered the accumulation of pressure that caused cover failures.
According to the company, the reports of lid -related injuries decreased until one more incident occurred in 2024, which led to the CPSC to request a formal withdrawal.
Experts warn that the delay raises concerns about how companies evaluate product security versus potential responsibility.
“There is a measure of risk tolerance that is being discussed,” said Kevin Mayo, a business teacher who studies souvenir decisions. With the CPSC lacking authority to enforce retreats without cooperation, many potential dangers are not addressed unless companies act voluntarily.
According to the CPSC, the Ozark Trail Removable bottles Bear Bear Model number 83-662 in their packaging (not in the product itself), have a silver stainless steel body with a black screw cover, measure 4.41 × 4.41 × 11.5 inches and Walmart sold exclusively since 2017 for approximately $ 15.
Consumers are notified to stop using the bottles immediately and return them to Walmart to obtain a complete refund.
