Waiter, there's a bristle in my burger!

A review of injuries caused by ingesting wire bristles from grill brushes has prompted calls for greater awareness by medical professionals and consumers.

Wire-bristle grill brushes, used for cleaning barbecue grill grates, may lose bristles when used. These bristles can adhere to the grill, become stuck to food and then accidentally be ingested. Research published in the journal Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery examined the incidence in the US of injuries caused by ingestion of wire bristles, which sometimes requires surgery.

Researchers reviewed literature and used the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s National Electronic Injury Surveillance System and the consumer reported injury database SaferProducts.gov to estimate emergency department visits for wire bristle injuries. The study’s authors estimated that in the period between 2002 and 2014, 1698 cases presented to emergency departments. But they caution that the estimate doesn’t include cases presenting at urgent care facilities or other outpatient settings.

“The issue is likely under-reported and thus underappreciated,” said the study’s lead author, CW David Chang, MD. “Because of the uncommon nature of wire bristle injuries, people may not be as mindful about the dangers and implications. Awareness among emergency department physicians, radiologists and otolaryngologists is particularly important so that appropriate tests and examinations can be conducted.”

The most common location of injury was the oral cavity and the oropharynx, which includes the throat and tonsils. In all databases, injuries involving the esophagus and head and neck were more frequent than abdominal injuries.

The study’s authors encourage consumers to exercise caution when cleaning grills with wire-bristle brushes, examining brushes prior to each use and discarding if bristles are loose. They recommend inspecting cooking grates prior to cooking and checking on alternative cleaning methods.