A significant Water Bottle Recall is underway involving hundreds of thousands of stainless steel hydration bottles sold globally. The recall was initiated after multiple reports that the bottles can break during use, exposing sharp edges and creating a severe laceration hazard. Federal safety regulators are urging consumers to immediately stop using the affected products to prevent injury.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced the voluntary recall in coordination with the manufacturer, citing numerous incidents, including some requiring medical attention. The action highlights critical concerns over product safety in widely distributed consumer goods.
Key Recall Information
| Key Aspect | Detail |
| Product Involved | BKI USA 40-ounce Stainless Steel Water Bottles, sold in 2-packs. |
| The Hazard | The bottom of the bottle can detach, exposing a sharp stainless steel edge. |
| Potential Injury | Severe lacerations to hands or fingers. |
| Units Affected | Approximately 345,000 (in the U.S., with additional units in Canada and Mexico). |
| Consumer Remedy | Immediately stop use and return the product for a full refund. |
Details of the Affected Products in Water Bottle Recall
The recall centers on 40-ounce stainless steel, vacuum-insulated water bottles manufactured by BKI USA. These products were marketed under various brand names but share a common design flaw that compromises their structural integrity.
The bottles were sold primarily through major retailers, including Costco warehouse locations nationwide and online, as well as through other online platforms. They were available for purchase between September 2023 and June 2024, typically sold in two-bottle packages.
Identifying the Recalled Bottles
Consumers should examine their stainless steel bottles for specific identifying markers:
- Capacity: 40 ounces (approximately 1.2 liters).
- Material: Stainless steel construction with a plastic lid and silicone sleeve.
- Colors: The bottles were sold in several color combinations, including blue and green, black and silver, and purple and pink.
- Markings: The affected bottles have “BKI USA” and specific model numbers printed on the bottom label or etched onto the base.
Federal officials emphasize that any bottle matching this description should be considered part of the recall, regardless of whether it has shown signs of wear.
The Laceration Hazard and Reported Incidents
The primary danger stems from a manufacturing defect that weakens the connection between the bottle’s main body and its base. When filled with liquid or subjected to normal use, the bottom can suddenly detach.
This failure exposes an unfinished, sharp metal edge on the interior component, posing a significant laceration hazard. Consumers handling the bottle when it breaks are at immediate risk of deep cuts to their hands and fingers.
According to the CPSC announcement, BKI USA has received at least 67 reports of the bottles breaking. Among these incidents, 18 resulted in laceration injuries. Several of these injuries were severe enough to require stitches or other medical intervention.
“When a product designed for everyday use fails catastrophically like this, it presents an unacceptable risk to consumers,” stated a CPSC spokesperson in the recall announcement. The CPSC classifies this as a serious safety issue requiring immediate action.
Consumer Guidance: Steps for Safety and Refunds
Regulators and the manufacturer advise consumers to immediately stop using the recalled water bottles. The items should not be donated or thrown away in regular household trash, as they may still pose a risk to others.
How to Obtain a Refund
BKI USA, in cooperation with retailers, is offering a full refund for the recalled products.
- Stop Use: Immediately cease using the 40-ounce stainless steel bottles.
- Retail Returns: Consumers who purchased the bottles at Costco can return them to any Costco warehouse customer service desk for an immediate full refund. A receipt is typically not required for safety recalls.
- Manufacturer Contact: For bottles purchased online or if returning to the retailer is not possible, consumers should contact BKI USA directly through their dedicated recall website or toll-free number. The company may require consumers to submit photographs of the bottle and proof of its destruction before issuing a refund.
BKI USA issued a statement apologizing for the inconvenience and asserting its commitment to product safety. “We are working closely with the CPSC and our retail partners to remove these products from the market and ensure consumers are aware of the hazard,” the company stated.
Regulatory Oversight and the Role of the CPSC
This recall underscores the vital role of the Consumer Product Safety Commission in monitoring and managing the safety of consumer goods in the United States. The CPSC is an independent federal regulatory agency tasked with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death associated with consumer products.
When a potential defect is identified—either through consumer complaints, manufacturer self-reporting, or independent investigation—the CPSC evaluates the risk. If a substantial product hazard is determined, the agency negotiates a voluntary corrective action plan with the company, which typically results in a recall.
Maintaining Product Safety Standards
Product safety experts note that failures in stainless steel products often relate to manufacturing processes, such as inadequate welding or material stress points.
“Ensuring the structural integrity of vacuum-insulated containers requires rigorous quality control during manufacturing,” said Dr. Eleanor Weiss, a materials engineering expert at the Consumer Safety Institute. “A failure at a seam, as described in this recall, suggests a systemic issue in the production process that allowed weakened products to reach consumers.”
This incident serves as a reminder for consumers to register products when possible and to report safety incidents to the CPSC via their website, SaferProducts.gov. Such reports are critical data points that help regulators identify dangerous trends and initiate recalls.
The CPSC will continue to monitor the effectiveness of this Water Bottle Recall to ensure that BKI USA and its retail partners successfully remove the hazardous products from consumer hands. Consumers are advised to check the CPSC website for updates on this and other active recalls.
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