AMA cautions about health risks from wire-bristle grill brushes

CHICAGO — As people across the country fire up their grills for cookouts this Fourth of July, the American Medical Association (AMA) is urging anyone cooking on a grill to use caution when using a wire-bristle grill brush due to the potential health and safety risks associated with bristles that may break off and adhere to both the grill and cooked food.

“As the Fourth of July approaches and many of us will be cooking meals for friends and family on our grills, we want to be sure that anyone who cleans their grill with a wire-bristle brush is aware of the possibility that the bristles can break off and stick to the food being cooked. When ingested, wire bristles have been known to cause injury and in some cases lead to a surgical emergency. We urge everyone to take simple precautions to avoid injury and prevent a trip to the emergency department, including wiping the grill down after using it and inspecting it for wire bristles before cooking food,” said AMA President Barbara L. McAneny, M.D. “We wish everyone safe grilling and a healthy holiday!”