Walmart has recalled a piece of drinkware, one of the most popular items in the promotional products industry.

The world’s largest retailer recalled the Ozark Trail 64 oz. Stainless Steel Insulated Water Bottle on July 10.

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission report, the lid can eject “when a consumer attempts to open the capped bottles after food, carbonated beverages or perishable beverages, such as juice or milk, are stored inside over time.”

  • This ejection can cause dangerous impacts and lacerations, according to the CPSC.
  • Walmart received three reports of consumer facial injuries, including two accounts of permanent vision loss from being hit in the eye with the lid.


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The Ozark Trail water bottles have been in production since 2017, and the recall includes approximately 850,000 units. The units don’t have the model number on them, so unless you have the original packaging, it’s hard to know if your product is recalled.

  • Consumers should err on the side of caution by discontinuing use of the bottles, according to the CPSC.
  • Walmart is offering a refund for the recalled bottles – consumers can obtain one in store or online.


Although these specific Ozark Trail products aren’t currently carried in the promo industry, other water bottles from the brand are, according to SAGE. Furthermore, the lid issues are relevant to any sized water bottle offered in the branded merch industry.

Promo Perspective

It’s important to be ready to handle potential recalls when offering certain products. Even with known and reputable brands, the possibility of a recall will remain.

“It’s a great reminder to stay on top of product quality and documentation,” says Rachel Zoch, public affairs manager at PPAI. “No company wants to face a recall, but lot numbers are critical for the traceability that will make the process smoother.”

No company wants to face a recall, but lot numbers are critical for the traceability that will make the process smoother.”

Rachel Zoch

Public Affairs Manager, PPAI

Last year, at PPAI’s Product Responsibility Summit, a panel was held discussing how to handle the possibility of being ordered to recall a product and the steps that need to be taken.

  • In that situation, complying with the CPSC is absolutely critical, but the next priority is being intentional with messaging surrounding the recall.


“It’s important to move fast, but it’s also important to move smartly,” said Neal Cohen of Neal Cohen Law.

“You need to control everything, especially what the person says,” added Rick Brenner, president of Product Safety Advisors. “Yes, you want to be empathetic and show concern, [but] there should be a very disciplined and scripted response of what they can say, and the escalation process of who does what next.”