What was recalled
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued a recall for specific models of the Greater Goods Digital Kitchen Scale. This action was taken because these particular units fail to meet mandatory federal safety regulations regarding the containment and packaging of coin batteries, which are commonly used in small electronic devices. If you have purchased one of these scales recently, it is important to know exactly what you own and whether it falls under this specific safety notice.
The recall targets a wide range of model numbers within the Greater Goods product line. Specifically, the affected models are 0480, 0455, 0456, 0458, 0473, 0479, 0481, 0747, 0748, 0749, 0751, 0752, and 0754. These scales are visually distinct and easy to identify if you know what to look for. Each unit features the Greater Goods logo prominently located on the top of the front panel. Additionally, there is a sticker on the back of the scale that clearly prints both the brand name and the specific model number. If you cannot find this sticker or if the model number does not match one of the lists above, your device is likely not part of this recall.
These digital scales were sold in a variety of colors to suit different kitchen decors and personal preferences. Consumers may have purchased them in gray, black, blue, green, pink, red, silver, or white. Regardless of the color, every recalled unit comes with a lithium CR3032 coin battery pre-installed inside the device. Furthermore, each package includes a spare CR3032 battery for convenience.
The recall was officially announced on January 30, 2025. While the official announcement date is recent, these products have been in circulation for some time. They were sold through major retail channels, including directly from the Greater Goods website, as well as through large online and brick-and-mortar retailers such as Amazon and Walmart. Because these items are widely available, it is possible that many households currently have one of these scales in use without realizing the potential safety implications regarding the battery compartment.
If you bought a Greater Goods Digital Kitchen Scale with any of the listed model numbers between the time they were first sold and now, you should check your device immediately. Look at the back sticker to confirm the model number. If it matches one of the recalled models, do not use the scale until you have followed the safety steps outlined in this article. The presence of these specific models means the product does not comply with the new requirements set by Reese’s Law, which aims to prevent children from accessing coin batteries that can cause severe internal injuries.
It is crucial to act on this information promptly. Although no incidents have been reported at this time, the risk associated with accessible coin batteries is serious. By identifying your specific model and color, you can take the necessary steps to secure your home environment. The following sections will guide you through what to do next, including how to remove the battery safely and how to obtain a free repair kit from the manufacturer.
The hazard, explained
To understand why this recall is so serious, we first need to look at the specific design flaws identified by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The Greater Goods Digital Kitchen Scales, across models 0480, 0455, 0456, 0458, 0473, 0479, 0481, 0747, 0748, 0749, 0751, 0752, and 0754, contain a lithium CR3032 coin battery. Under normal circumstances, these small, powerful batteries are safe. However, the recall highlights two critical failures in how this product handles them.
First, the compartment that holds the installed battery within the scale is not secure enough to prevent young children from accessing it. While the scales come in various colors like gray, black, blue, green, pink, red, silver, and white, the exterior appearance does not change the internal vulnerability. A child can easily pry open or access the battery compartment, removing the lithium coin battery that powers the device.
Second, and equally dangerous, is how the spare battery was handled. Federal safety regulations, specifically those mandated by Reese’s Law, require that any consumer product containing button cell or coin batteries must provide spare batteries in child-resistant packaging. This means the packaging itself must be difficult for a child to open without adult assistance. In this case, the spare CR3032 battery provided with your scale was not in such protective packaging. It was likely loose in the box or in simple plastic wrap that a determined child can tear through. This creates a dual threat: a loose battery inside the device and another loose battery sitting in the packaging.
So, what happens physically if a child swallows one of these batteries? The danger is not just choking; it is chemical. Once a button cell battery is swallowed, it can become lodged in the esophagus (the tube connecting the mouth to the stomach). Within just two hours, the battery completes an electrical circuit with the moist tissue of the esophagus. This generates a small electrical current that causes rapid electrolysis, producing hydroxide ions that create a strong alkaline environment. This leads to severe, deep tissue burns and can cause life-threatening injuries or death before any symptoms even appear.
The CPSC notes that these violations also mean the scales lack the required warnings that would typically alert consumers to this risk. Without clear labeling, parents and caregivers might not realize how quickly a loose battery can become a lethal threat. The combination of an easily accessible internal battery and an unsecured spare creates a scenario where ingestion is tragically easy to happen.
Who is most at risk
When we talk about the safety of digital kitchen scales like those from Greater Goods, it is easy to assume that anyone using them could be in danger. However, the reality is a bit more nuanced. The primary group at immediate and severe risk consists of young children, particularly toddlers and infants who are in the exploratory phase of development. This is not because children are inherently reckless, but because their natural curiosity drives them to put objects in their mouths to understand the world around them. A kitchen scale, often found on countertops or tables where food preparation happens, is an accessible object for a child who can crawl or walk. The hazard here is not just the presence of a battery, but the specific design flaw mentioned in the recall: the lithium coin battery is easily accessed, and crucially, the spare battery provided in the packaging lacks the mandatory child-resistant packaging required by Reese’s Law.
Why are young children so vulnerable to this specific type of hazard? It comes down to anatomy and physiology. A button cell or coin battery, such as the CR3032 included with these scales, is small enough to fit entirely into a toddler’s mouth. If swallowed, the battery can become lodged in the esophagus. Because the body cannot digest metal, the battery remains in place and creates an electrical current that interacts with bodily fluids. This process causes rapid tissue damage, leading to severe internal chemical burns within just two hours of ingestion. For a small child, whose esophagus is narrower and whose tissues are more delicate, this injury can be catastrophic, potentially perforating the esophagus or damaging nearby major blood vessels. The risk is highest in the first few hours after ingestion, which is why immediate removal of the battery from the scale is critical.
While children are the most vulnerable demographic due to their size and behavior, other household members may also be at indirect risk if they are responsible for childproofing but are unaware of the hazard. For example, grandparents or caregivers who frequently use these scales for meal preparation might assume that because the battery is inside a device, it is safe. They may not realize that the compartment can be opened with minimal effort, allowing a curious child to access both the installed and spare batteries. Additionally, individuals with visual impairments or those who are less familiar with modern safety standards like Reese’s Law might overlook the missing warning labels. These warnings are not just bureaucratic formalities; they serve as critical alerts for anyone handling the device to recognize the potential danger. Therefore, anyone in the home who interacts with the scale, especially those responsible for supervising young children, needs to be fully aware of this risk to prevent accidental exposure.
It is also important to note that while no incidents have been reported yet, the potential for harm exists in any household where a child has access to loose batteries or devices containing them. The inclusion of a spare battery in non-child-resistant packaging amplifies this risk, as it provides an additional, easily accessible target for exploration. This is why the recall emphasizes not just removing the battery from the scale, but also securing both batteries in a place children cannot reach. By understanding who is most at risk—primarily young children due to their developmental stage and physical size—we can take more proactive steps to ensure that our kitchens remain safe spaces for everyone.
How to tell if you have the recalled item
If you own a digital kitchen scale from Greater Goods, it is important to verify whether your specific unit is part of this recall before taking any action. Because these scales are widely available and come in various styles, identifying your exact model requires a close look at both the device itself and its original packaging. The primary way to confirm if your scale is affected is by checking the model number printed on the back of the unit. Look for a sticker label that clearly displays the "Greater Goods" brand name along with one of the following specific model numbers: 0480, 0455, 0456, 0458, 0473, 0479, 0481, 0747, 0748, 0749, 0751, 0752, or 0754. If your scale bears any of these numbers, it is included in the recall.
In addition to the model number, you can identify the recalled items by their physical appearance and branding placement. The Greater Goods logo should be located on the top front panel of the scale. These devices are sold in a variety of colors, including gray, black, blue, green, pink, red, silver, and white. Since the color alone does not determine whether a unit is recalled, you must rely on the model number to be certain. It is also helpful to remember that these scales typically come with a lithium CR3032 coin battery pre-installed inside the device.
If you have kept the original packaging, check the box for additional confirmation. The recalled scales are shipped with a spare CR3032 coin battery included in the packaging. If you purchased the scale recently from major retailers such as Amazon or Walmart, it is highly likely that you will be contacted directly by the company or the retailer regarding this safety notice. However, if you bought the item secondhand or have discarded the box, rely on the sticker label on the back of the scale to determine if your unit needs to be addressed. Do not guess based on color or general appearance; always verify the seven- or four-digit model code to ensure you are following the correct safety protocol.
What to do — step by step
If you own one of the recalled Greater Goods Digital Kitchen Scales, your immediate priority is to eliminate the risk of a child accessing the internal battery. This process is straightforward but requires careful attention to detail to ensure safety is maintained throughout. Please follow these steps exactly as outlined by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the manufacturer.
- Stop Using the Scale Immediately. The first and most critical action is to cease all use of the recalled digital kitchen scale. Do not weigh any more food items, regardless of urgency. The hazard lies in the fact that the lithium coin battery inside can be easily accessed by children, and the spare battery provided in the packaging is not in child-resistant packaging as required by federal law. Continuing to use the device increases the likelihood of accidental access or damage to the casing.
- Remove the Internal Battery Safely. Once you have decided to stop using the scale, carefully open the battery compartment. Locate the pre-installed lithium CR3032 coin battery and remove it from the device. Handle this battery with care; avoid touching the terminals with your fingers or metal objects to prevent short-circuiting. Do not attempt to dispose of the battery in your regular household trash yet.
- Secure Both Batteries Out of Reach. Take the removed internal battery and the spare CR3032 battery that came in the packaging, and place them together in a secure location that children cannot access. Ideally, store them in a locked cabinet or a high shelf where young children do not have unsupervised access. This step is vital because even though the scale is no longer in use, loose button cell batteries pose a severe ingestion hazard if found by curious toddlers.
- Contact Greater Goods for Your Free Recall Kit. To properly resolve the issue with your device, you need to contact Greater Goods directly. They are offering a free recall kit that includes a new replacement battery door that can be securely fastened to the scale, along with the required federal safety labeling and an updated instruction manual. You can reach them via their toll-free number at 866-991-0397 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT, Monday through Friday. Alternatively, you may send an email to recall@greatergoods.com or visit their website at www.greatergoods.com and click the recall banner at the top of the page. You can also go directly to https://shop.greatergoods.com/pages/replaceyourbatterydoor for more information.
- Wait for Instructions or Kit Arrival. After contacting Greater Goods, follow their specific instructions regarding the return or modification of your unit. While Greater Goods, Amazon, and Walmart are also contacting all known purchasers directly, it is best to take proactive steps yourself to ensure you receive the necessary components promptly. Do not attempt to modify the scale yourself with non-approved parts, as this may void any safety guarantees.
By following these steps, you transform a potentially dangerous situation into a resolved one. The goal is not just to comply with regulations but to protect your family from the serious internal chemical burns and other injuries that can result from button cell battery ingestion. Please act quickly to secure the batteries and initiate the remedy process.
Your refund, repair, or replacement options
If you own one of the affected Greater Goods Digital Kitchen Scales, the good news is that you do not need to throw your device away or buy a new one from scratch. The manufacturer has established a clear and accessible remedy designed to fix the safety issue without costing you anything out of pocket. Specifically, Greater Goods is offering a free recall kit to all known purchasers. This kit is not just a simple replacement part; it is a comprehensive solution that includes a new battery door that can be securely fastened to the scale, the federally required warning labels, and an updated instruction manual. By installing this new door, you effectively seal off access to the coin battery inside, thereby eliminating the ingestion hazard while allowing you to continue using your existing scale for its intended purpose.
You might be wondering how to get this kit if you purchased your scale months or even years ago. You do not need to hunt down a receipt or prove exactly when you bought it. Greater Goods, along with major retailers like Amazon and Walmart, are proactively contacting all known purchasers directly about this recall. If you were contacted via email or mail, follow the instructions provided in that communication. However, if you have not heard from them yet, or if you simply want to act quickly, you can initiate the process yourself. The company has made it very easy to get help by providing multiple contact channels.
To request your free recall kit, you can call Greater Goods toll-free at 866-991-0397. Their customer service team is available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time, Monday through Friday. If you prefer to handle things online, which is often the most convenient option for busy households, you can visit www.greatergoods.com and look for the recall banner at the top of the page. Alternatively, you can go directly to https://shop.greatergoods.com/pages/replaceyourbatterydoor for specific instructions on how to replace your battery door. You can also reach out via email at recall@greatergoods.com if you have questions that the website does not answer.
The "why" behind this specific remedy is rooted in the nature of the hazard. Because the issue involves a lithium coin battery that can be easily accessed, simply turning off the scale is not enough. The physical barrier must be reinforced. The new battery door provided in the kit is designed to meet current federal safety standards (Reese's Law), which require child-resistant packaging and secure access for products containing button cell batteries. By installing this part, you are bringing your device into compliance with these strict safety regulations. There is no need to seek a refund or exchange for a different model unless you wish to do so for personal preference; the free kit is intended to make your current scale safe again. Please remember that while retailers like Amazon and Walmart are also reaching out, the manufacturer remains the primary source for the physical repair components.
In summary, your options are straightforward: keep your scale, install the free safety kit provided by Greater Goods, and continue using it safely. Do not attempt to modify the battery compartment yourself with tape or other household items, as this may not provide adequate protection against curious children. Stick to the official replacement part sent by the manufacturer to ensure the seal is tight and secure. If you have any trouble accessing the online resources or speaking with customer service, be patient; high demand is common during active recalls, but the company has dedicated lines specifically for this issue.
What can happen if you ignore it
It is easy to view a kitchen scale as just another small appliance in a drawer or on a counter. When the red flag of a recall notice arrives, the immediate reaction might be annoyance rather than alarm. You might think, "I’ll get around to fixing this later," or "My kids don’t touch that area." However, ignoring this specific recall is not a matter of convenience; it is a matter of preventing severe, life-threatening injury. The core issue here is not that the scale will break or stop working, but that its design currently allows access to components that are extremely dangerous in the wrong hands. The primary danger stems from the lithium coin battery inside the device. Because the current battery door on these models can be opened easily by children, and because a spare battery is provided in non-child-resistant packaging, there are two distinct points of failure. A child does not need to understand what a battery is to be attracted to its shiny, metallic appearance. They may pry open the compartment out of curiosity or simply find the loose spare battery left on a counter or table. Once inside their mouth, the situation escalates rapidly. When a button cell or coin battery becomes lodged in a child’s esophagus, it can cause serious injuries within just two hours. This is not a slow process. The electrical current from the battery interacts with bodily fluids, creating an external chemical burn at the site of contact. These burns are deep and can perforate tissue, leading to severe internal damage. In the worst-case scenarios, this can result in death. The hazard is silent and rapid; by the time symptoms like coughing or choking appear, significant damage may have already occurred. Although the recall facts indicate that no incidents have been reported so far, this absence of data does not mean the risk is theoretical. It simply means that, fortunately, no one has been hurt yet. But waiting for an incident to occur before acting is a gamble with irreversible consequences. Continuing to use the scale without securing the battery compartment or replacing it with the provided kit leaves the hazard active in your home. Every time the scale is used, there is a chance a child could access the power source. Furthermore, the lack of required warnings on the original product means that anyone using the scale, including adults who might be distracted while cooking, are not being alerted to this specific risk. Ignoring the recall means you are relying on your own vigilance to prevent a catastrophic error, rather than using the manufacturer’s engineered solution. The free recall kit is designed specifically to eliminate this access point. By delaying your response, you are prolonging the window of vulnerability for your household. The cost of waiting is potentially a child’s health or life, while the remedy is a simple, free hardware swap that takes minutes. Do not let the calm surface of a kitchen appliance mask the silent danger hiding inside its battery compartment.Staying safe: broader tips
While this specific recall addresses a critical safety gap in digital kitchen scales, the underlying issue of accessible coin batteries is a widespread concern that extends far beyond a single brand or product line. Button cell and lithium coin batteries are now found in an astonishing array of household items, from remote controls and car key fobs to greeting cards, LED holiday lights, and medical devices like glucose monitors. Because these batteries are small, shiny, and often resemble candies, they pose a unique and severe risk to curious toddlers and young children. Understanding how to proactively manage these hazards in your home is one of the most effective ways to prevent serious injury before it happens.
The first line of defense is rigorous maintenance of battery compartments on all consumer electronics. Many manufacturers design batteries to be easily replaceable by consumers, which unfortunately means they are also easily accessible by children. You should regularly inspect every device in your home that uses a coin or button battery. If you notice that a compartment door is loose, missing screws, or does not require a tool (like a screwdriver) to open, it is likely unsafe for homes with young children. Do not wait for a battery to die before checking; make it part of your routine to ensure that all compartments are tightly secured and that any required tools are stored out of reach.
Equally important is how you handle spare batteries. Never store loose coin batteries in their original clear plastic blister packs if those packs are not child-resistant. Children can bite through standard plastic packaging with alarming speed. Instead, keep all spare batteries in a locked cabinet or a high, secure location that is completely inaccessible to children. If you must use a container for organization, ensure it has a locking mechanism similar to a medicine cabinet. Additionally, consider using battery organizers that require a tool to open, rather than simple push-to-open trays.
You should also cultivate a habit of checking for recalls regularly. Product safety regulations evolve rapidly, as seen with the recent implementation of Reese’s Law, which mandates child-resistant packaging for many coin batteries. By signing up for email alerts from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) or subscribing to newsletters from major retailers where you shop, you can stay informed about new hazards. Finally, if you suspect a child has swallowed or inserted a battery into their nose or ear, do not wait for symptoms to appear. Seek emergency medical attention immediately, as tissue damage can occur within just two hours of exposure.