The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a nationwide recall for roughly 850,000 Ozark Trail 64 oz stainless steel water bottles, citing a serious impact and laceration hazard (Recall No. 25-377). Sold exclusively at Walmart stores and on Walmart.com since 2017, the bottles pose a hidden and potentially devastating danger: the black screw-on cap can eject with explosive force, turning the reusable bottle into a high-risk projectile device.
Injuries Reported: Permanent Vision Loss Among Victims
So far, at least three individuals have been injured, including two who suffered permanent blindness when the cap launched into their eyes. The cause? Built-up internal pressure that releases violently when the bottle is opened.
Why These Bottles Can Be Dangerous: Hidden Pressure Hazard
The stainless steel, vacuum-insulated containers were designed for cold beverages. But many users mistakenly used them to store milk, smoothies, juices, or even carbonated drinks—a mistake that turns hazardous when fermentation or spoilage produces gas inside the sealed container.
What Happens Inside the Bottle:
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Gases like carbon dioxide or methane build up due to microbial activity in leftover perishable contents.
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The airtight screw cap traps the pressure.
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Upon opening, the pressurized gas escapes rapidly, propelling the cap into the air—and potentially, into someone’s face.
No Warning on the Bottle Itself
Crucially, there’s no visible safety label or pressure warning on the bottle. The model number (#83-662) appears only on the original packaging, making it difficult to identify once opened and in use. It remains unclear whether original packaging warned against the storage of perishable or fizzy liquids.
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Legal and Safety Accountability: Walmart Named in Recall
Walmart is the exclusive seller and is listed as the responsible party in the recall. Under U.S. product liability laws, manufacturers and retailers can be held liable for injuries caused by products that are inherently dangerous or lack adequate warnings—even when the consumer misuses the product in a way that could be anticipated.
In this case, placing perishable beverages in a reusable water bottle is reasonably foreseeable, and the absence of proper warnings strengthens the case for corporate accountability.
If You Own This Bottle: Act Now
Consumers are urged to immediately stop using the bottle. Here’s what to do next:
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Return it to any Walmart store for a full refund.
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Call Walmart Customer Service at 1-800-925-6278 (available 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Central Time).
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Check the CPSC’s official recall site for detailed guidance.
Product Identification Details
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Product: Ozark Trail 64 oz Stainless Steel Water Bottle
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Model Number: 83-662 (only on original packaging)
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Retail Price: Around $15
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Sold: Exclusively by Walmart (2017–2025)
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Size: 4.41″ wide x 11.5″ tall
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Color: Silver with black screw-on lid
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Material: Stainless steel, double-wall insulated
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Country of Manufacture: China
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Importer: Olympia Tools International, Inc.
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Bottom Line: A Risk You Shouldn’t Ignore
This isn’t just a manufacturing defect—it’s a serious safety threat. With at least two cases of permanent vision loss already reported, it’s vital to stop using the product immediately and inform others who may own one.
Don’t wait. Return it now—and help spread the word.
