Walmart Recalls 850,000 Water Bottles After Ejecting Lids Cause ‘Permanent Vision Loss’

There’s nothing wrong with buying cheap products from Walmart — everyone loves a good deal — but sometimes it can backfire. In the case of a new Ozark Trail recall, that’s literally what happened to several people injured by water bottles.

Walmart announced a massive recall Thursday of its Ozark Trail water bottles. The one-piece, screwcap lid can evidently pop off from built-up pressure, causing impact and laceration injuries. If you own a silver 64-ounce stainless steel insulated water bottle from Ozark Trail purchased at Walmart, you should stop using it immediately to avoid potential injuries, government regulators said this week.

Approximately 850,000 of these water bottles have been recalled, according to a July 10 notice from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The model number — listed on the packaging but not on the product — is 83-662. Walmart has been selling this product since 2017 for around $15.

Walmart received three reports of consumers being struck in the face after the water bottle lid was violently expelled.

A History of Ozark Trail Recalls

Two people suffered permanent vision loss after being hit in the eye. According to the notice, the lid may blow off the bottle if certain foods, carbonated beverages, and perishable products, including juice and milk, are kept in the bottle for an extended period of time.

The CPSC encourages consumers to stop using the water bottle and return it to a Walmart store for a refund. Consumers with concerns can call Walmart at 1-800-925-6278 or visit its product recall page online. Multiple products from Ozark Trail, Walmart’s in-house outdoor gear brand, have been subject to recalls in the past, including a camp axe in 2018 and propane camping lanterns in 2002.

Walmart and the CPSC have issued no statements about the status of similar Ozark Trail water bottles. The brand’s double-wall, vacuum-sealed stainless steel 64-ounce water bottle is currently listed online as out of stock.