Are BBQ Wire Brushes Safe?

With many Australian families enjoying a BBQ at home this summer, it is important to consider the quality and condition of our barbeque equipment including wire brushes.

The metal bristles on barbecue brushes can become loose and cause serious throat or digestive injuries if ingested. Thousands of injuries  are reported around the world from people accidentally consuming the bristles.

In July last year a nine-year old underwent life-saving surgery in Newcastle after swallowing a small wire bristle from a barbeque brush inside a bacon-and-egg roll. The wire pierced her oesophagus and pushed into the carotid artery in her neck.

Consumer Protection WA recommends the following tips to help prevent injury to your friends and family:

1.    Buy a quality product – check the bristles’ strength and see if you can pull any out with your fingers,

2.    Inspect it regularly – if you see loose bristles or can pull any out, replace it,

3.    Replace the brush as soon as you see it looks bent, damaged or filled with too much grease and dirt,

4.    Check the plate and grill regularly for any bristles before use,

5.    Examine your food before you eat it and,

6.    Use safer alternatives to clean your grill such as bristle-free brushes, grill scrapers, stone cleaners or tin foil and tongs.