Walmart Water Bottles Cause Permanent Vision Loss (FDA Reports)

Introduction

Your morning routine just became dangerous.

Walmart recalled nearly 850,000 water bottles after customers suffered permanent vision loss when lids exploded off like projectiles.

Hi, I’m Abdur, your nutrition coach and today I’m going to analyze this shocking water bottle recall that turned everyday hydration into a safety nightmare.

What Makes These Water Bottles So Dangerous?

The Ozark Trail 64-ounce stainless steel water bottles look harmless enough.

They feature a silver body with a black screw cap and the Ozark Trail logo on the side.

The model number 83-662 does not appear on the bottle itself, making identification tricky for consumers.

These bottles were sold exclusively at Walmart stores and online since 2017.

The danger comes from a design flaw that allows pressure to build up inside the bottle.

When customers stored carbonated drinks, fermented foods, or beverages like kombucha and wine, gases accumulated inside the sealed container.

Opening the bottle released this pressure suddenly, causing the lid to shoot off with explosive force.

How Serious Are The Reported Injuries?

The Consumer Product Safety Commission received three injury reports that paint a terrifying picture.

Two customers suffered permanent vision loss after the bottle lids struck their eyes.

These were not minor accidents but life-changing injuries that demonstrate the explosive power of pressurized containers.

The third injury involved cuts and bruises from the projectile lid impact.

All incidents occurred when customers opened bottles that had stored carbonated or fermented items.

The force generated by built-up pressure was enough to launch the heavy metal lid with dangerous velocity.

Medical experts explain that eye injuries from blunt force trauma can cause permanent damage to the cornea, lens, or retina.

Why Did Walmart Issue This Massive Recall?

Walmart worked closely with the Consumer Product Safety Commission to investigate these incidents.

The company discovered that customers were using the bottles for purposes beyond simple water storage.

Popular fermented foods like kimchi, sourdough starter, and kombucha create gases during fermentation.

Wine and carbonated beverages also contain or produce carbon dioxide gas under pressure.

The bottle design lacked proper pressure release mechanisms to handle these gases safely.

Molly Blakeman from Walmart stated that customer health and safety remains their top priority.

The recall affects all bottles with model number 83-662 regardless of purchase date or location.

What Should You Do If You Own This Bottle?

Stop using the bottle immediately if you own one.

Return it to any Walmart store for a full refund without needing a receipt.

Do not attempt to open the bottle if it contains carbonated or fermented items.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends disposing of any pressurized contents safely.

Check your kitchen for other similar bottles that might pose the same risk.

Sign up for safety alerts from the Consumer Product Safety Commission to stay informed about future recalls.

Choose water bottles specifically designed for the beverages you plan to store.

The Bottom Line

This recall shows how everyday items can become dangerous when used improperly or when design flaws create safety hazards.

Convenience should never come at the cost of your health and safety.

I want to hear from you – do you have questions about food storage safety or concerns about products in your kitchen? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

At NutritionCrown, we use quality and credible sources to ensure our content is accurate and trustworthy. Below are the sources referenced in creating this article:

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About the Author
Abdur Rahman Choudhury Logo V2

Abdur Rahman Choudhury is a nutrition coach with over 7 years of experience in the field of nutrition.

Academic Qualifications

Research Experience

Professional Certifications & Courses

Clinical Experience

  • 7+ years as a nutrition coach
  • Direct experience working with hundreds of patients to improve their health

Abdur currently lives in India and keeps fit by weight training and eating mainly home-cooked meals.

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