Brush Art Recalls WIC Nutrition Plates Due to Fire Hazard

What was recalled

In March of 2019, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced a significant recall involving WIC Nutrition Plates manufactured by Brush Art. This specific product line is designed to help families visualize healthy eating habits, but it contained a critical safety flaw that required immediate attention from consumers who had purchased them through the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). If you received these plates as part of your WIC benefits around this time, it is important to understand exactly which items are affected so you can take the appropriate next steps.

The recalled product consists of educational nutrition plates that illustrate the recommended distribution of food groups. These 12-inch by 9-inch plates feature dividers with colorful pictures and labels showing portion sizes for protein, grains, vegetables, fruits, and dairy. They are intended to be a visual guide for balanced meals. However, despite being marketed and labeled as microwave-safe, these specific plates contain aluminum components within their construction. This material inclusion is the core reason for the recall, as it creates a dangerous situation when subjected to microwave heat.

To identify if your plate is part of this specific recall, you need to look closely at the back of the item. The recalled plates will have a safety label on the reverse side, along with the Brush Art website and logo. Most importantly, you must check for the date code "7-18" and the location of manufacture. If your plate bears these markings, it is part of the recall. However, there is an important exception: units that have an engraved stamp of "ISP219" are not subject to this recall and can be used safely as intended. This distinction is crucial because Brush Art had produced different batches, and only those with the specific date code associated with the aluminum issue are included in this safety notice.

This recall covers WIC Nutrition Plates that were distributed through WIC clinics across the United States. The primary remedy offered by Brush Art was for consumers to immediately stop using the recalled plates due to the fire hazard and to return them to their local WIC Clinic for free replacement plates. Replacement plates were being manufactured and sent to Indiana WIC clinics as they became available, ensuring that families could continue to use safe, microwave-compatible versions of the product without cost. If you are unsure whether your plate is affected, checking for the "7-18" date code on the back is the most reliable method to determine if it falls under this specific safety alert.

The hazard, explained

At first glance, the danger posed by these recalled WIC nutrition plates might seem counterintuitive. After all, many of us are accustomed to seeing plastic or ceramic dishes being whisked into microwaves without a second thought. However, the specific issue here lies not in the plastic material itself, but in the conductive metal component embedded within the design. The recalled plates contain aluminum dividers that are incorrectly labeled as microwave-safe. This mislabeling creates a significant and immediate risk because aluminum is a metal, and metals behave very differently from heat-resistant plastics or ceramics when exposed to the high-energy waves inside a microwave oven.

To understand why this happens, it helps to look at what microwaves actually do. Microwaves work by agitating water molecules in food to generate heat. When these waves encounter metal, such as the aluminum strips used in the dividers of these plates, they interact with the free electrons within the metal structure. This interaction causes the electrons to move back and forth rapidly, creating an electrical current. Because the aluminum is thin and shaped into specific patterns, this current can become concentrated at sharp edges or points, leading to a phenomenon known as arcing.

Arcing is essentially tiny, spontaneous electrical sparks jumping across the surface of the metal or through the air gap between the metal and the plate’s plastic base. These sparks generate intense, localized heat that far exceeds the temperature needed to cook food. In the case of the Brush Art plates, this intense heat can quickly ignite the surrounding plastic components or any food residue trapped in the dividers. The CPSC has already documented two separate incidents where these plates caught fire while being used in a microwave, as well as one report of the plate melting. This confirms that the physical mechanism of arcing is not just a theoretical risk but an active, dangerous reality for users who follow the incorrect labeling.

The harm from this hazard typically manifests in two ways: direct thermal injury and property damage. While no injuries have been reported to date with these specific plates, the potential for burns is real if a user reaches in to remove a sparking plate or if flames flare up unexpectedly. More commonly, the fire can spread to nearby kitchen items, such as paper towels, curtains, or cabinetry, leading to significant property loss and smoke damage. The fact that the plates are designed with colorful pictures and labels on the dividers means there is often more surface area for these sparks to initiate, making the risk particularly acute compared to a simple metal fork, which might only spark briefly. Understanding that this is not a "maybe" but a confirmed physical reaction to microwave radiation is crucial for preventing accidents.

It is also important to note that the hazard persists regardless of how much food is on the plate. Even if the plate appears empty or contains low-moisture items, the aluminum dividers will still react to the microwave energy. This makes the incorrect "microwave-safe" label especially dangerous, as it gives users a false sense of security. The presence of the date code 7-18 and the specific manufacturing location does not mitigate this electrical hazard; it simply helps identify which units are affected. Recognizing that metal in a microwave is a hard rule, with very few exceptions for specially designed appliances, is the key to staying safe from this type of incident.

Who is most at risk

To understand who faces the greatest danger in this specific recall, we first need to look at the unique ecosystem of the WIC program. The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is a federal assistance program that provides nutritious foods, nutrition education, and breastfeeding support to low-income pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and young children up to age five who are at nutritional risk. Because the recalled plates were distributed through WIC clinics, particularly in Indiana, the primary group exposed to this hazard is families enrolled in this program who rely on these free tools for daily meal planning. These are often households with limited financial resources, meaning they may not have the same flexibility to immediately purchase new kitchenware if something goes wrong.

The specific design of the Brush Art plates targets parents and caregivers of young children. The plates feature colorful illustrations and dividers that break down food groups like proteins, grains, vegetables, fruits, and dairy into visual portions. This makes them incredibly popular among parents trying to teach toddlers and preschoolers about healthy eating habits. Therefore, the people most at risk are not just any microwave users, but specifically those using these plates for children’s meals in a microwave setting. If a caregiver assumes the plate is safe because it looks like standard dishware, they may inadvertently place it in the microwave, triggering the fire hazard described by Brush Art.

While the physical risk of fire and melting applies to anyone who microwaves the plate, certain demographics face heightened vulnerability. Young children are at significant risk due to their proximity to the kitchen environment. If a plate catches fire or melts while heating a child’s meal, the resulting flames, smoke, or hot debris could cause burns or respiratory irritation to a small child standing nearby. Furthermore, young children have less ability to recognize danger or escape a sudden emergency, making them more dependent on adult vigilance.

Elderly individuals or those with limited mobility may also be disproportionately affected if they are using these plates for themselves. The recall notes that the hazard involves aluminum components igniting in the microwave. For older adults who might rely on microwaves for convenient, easy-to-prepare meals, a sudden appliance fire is not just an inconvenience but a potentially life-threatening event. Additionally, cognitive decline or visual impairments could make it harder to notice the warning labels or distinguish the recalled items from safe alternatives. The fact that two fires and one melting incident have already been reported suggests that the risk is active and immediate for anyone who has not yet identified their plates as hazardous.

It is also important to note that the risk extends beyond just the user. Neighbors or building occupants can be at risk if a microwave fire spreads, especially in apartment complexes where ventilation systems might circulate smoke. However, the direct physical harm remains concentrated on the household members who own and operate the recalled items. The absence of reported injuries so far is fortunate, but it does not eliminate the potential for serious harm to women, infants, and children who trust these WIC-provided tools as safe.

How to tell if you have the recalled item

If you received WIC Nutrition Plates from Brush Art as part of your benefits, it is important to verify whether your specific set falls under this recall before taking any action. Because these plates are designed to help visualize portion sizes for protein, grains, vegetables, fruits, and dairy, they look very similar to standard dinnerware or other educational tools. However, there are distinct physical characteristics that identify the recalled units. First, check the overall dimensions of the plate. The affected items measure exactly 12 inches long by 9 inches wide. If your plate is a different size, it likely belongs to a different product line and is not part of this specific safety notice.

The most critical step in identification is examining the back of the plate closely. You need to look for specific markings that confirm both the manufacturer and the production date. The recalled plates will feature the Brush Art logo and website address printed on the reverse side. Alongside this branding, you must locate the date code. The units subject to this recall were manufactured with a date code of 7-18. If your plate lacks this specific date code or has a different one, it is not included in this recall.

Additionally, please inspect the back of the plate for an engraved stamp that reads "ISP219." This identifier is crucial because units bearing this stamp are explicitly excluded from the recall. If you see "ISP219" stamped into the material, your plate is safe to use and does not need to be returned. However, if you do not see this stamp, and you do see the 7-18 date code, along with the Brush Art branding, your plate is part of the recall.

You should also note that these plates are distinctively designed for educational purposes, featuring dividers with colorful pictures and labels showing recommended portion sizes for various food groups. While the front of the plate displays these helpful nutrition guides, the safety issue lies in the material composition hidden from view during normal use. The recalled plates contain aluminum within their structure, which is why they are incorrectly labeled as microwave-safe on the back. If your plate claims to be microwave-safe but matches the physical description above (12x9 inches, 7-18 date code, no ISP219 stamp), do not put it in the microwave. Instead, follow the remedy steps to return them for a free replacement.

What to do — step by step

Your refund, repair, or replacement options

If you own one of the recalled WIC Nutrition Plates from Brush Art, please know that there is a clear and straightforward path to resolving this issue. The good news is that you do not need to spend any money to fix this problem, nor do you need to navigate complex return shipping processes for hazardous items. The primary remedy offered by the manufacturer is a free replacement. Because these plates are distributed through specific government assistance channels, the process is designed to be as simple and accessible as possible for eligible families.

Your first and most important step is to take the recalled plate back to your local WIC Clinic. You should not attempt to mail it to Brush Art or dispose of it in a way that might confuse waste management systems. Instead, bring the item directly to the clinic where you receive your benefits. The staff there are prepared to handle these exchanges. They will provide you with a new set of plates at no cost to you. This replacement process is covered entirely by the recall action, meaning you do not need to pay for shipping, handling, or any administrative fees associated with the exchange.

It is helpful to understand why the remedy works this way. The recalled plates contain aluminum and are incorrectly labeled as microwave-safe. If you put them in a microwave, they can catch fire or melt. Because of this serious fire hazard, the manufacturer and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) want these items removed from homes immediately. By returning them to the WIC Clinic, you ensure that the dangerous plates are safely collected and destroyed. In return, you receive new plates that do not contain aluminum and are safe for their intended use. This protects your family’s safety while ensuring you still have the educational tools needed to follow healthy eating guidelines.

Please note that replacement plates are currently being manufactured. They will be sent to WIC clinics in Indiana when they become available. If you are in Indiana, your clinic will receive the new stock soon. For those outside of Indiana, the process may vary slightly depending on how local WIC programs manage inventory, but the core principle remains the same: return the old plate for a free replacement. Do not use the recalled plates for any purpose, including as placemats or decorative items, if they might be mistaken for microwave-safe dishware. The risk is simply too high.

If you have questions about the status of your replacement or need more details about the recall, you can contact Brush Art directly. They have set up a dedicated support line for this specific issue. You can call them at 800-778-9005. Their representatives are available to help from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time, Monday through Friday. Alternatively, you can visit their website at www.brushart.com and click on the "WIC Plate Recall" section for additional online resources. These contacts are official channels established specifically for this recall, so they will have the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding your replacement.

• Do not use the recalled plates in a microwave.
• Return the plate to your WIC Clinic for a free replacement.
• Contact Brush Art at 800-778-9005 or online if you need more help.
• Check the back of your plate for the date code "7-18" to confirm if it is part of this recall.

What can happen if you ignore it

It is completely understandable to feel hesitant about stopping the use of a product that has become a familiar part of your daily routine, especially one designed to help manage nutrition and portion control. The WIC Nutrition Plates from Brush Art are sturdy, visually helpful tools that many families rely on for meal planning. However, ignoring the recall notice carries significant risks that extend far beyond simple inconvenience. The core issue is not that the plates are poorly made in terms of their structural integrity or design; the problem lies specifically with how they interact with high-energy electromagnetic radiation. When you place these plates in a microwave oven, the aluminum content within the dividers does not just sit passively. Instead, it becomes an active participant in a dangerous chemical and physical reaction that can escalate rapidly.

The most immediate and severe consequence of continuing to use these recalled plates is the risk of fire. Aluminum is a conductive metal, and when exposed to the microwaves generated by your appliance, it can cause arcing. This is essentially a miniature electrical spark that jumps between the plate and the walls of the microwave or between different parts of the plate itself. According to reports received by Brush Art and the CPSC, this is not merely a theoretical possibility. There have already been two documented incidents where these plates actually caught fire while inside the microwave. Imagine coming back to your kitchen after heating a meal, only to find smoke billowing from your appliance or flames licking the interior walls. This creates an immediate threat to your home’s safety, potentially damaging your microwave beyond repair and, in worst-case scenarios, starting a larger house fire that endangers your family and property.

Beyond the dramatic risk of fire, there is also the hazard of material failure. The intense heat generated by the arcing can cause the plastic components of the plate to warp, melt, or release toxic fumes. One report has already confirmed a case where the plate melted, rendering it useless and creating a messy, hazardous cleanup situation. While no injuries have been reported in these specific instances, the potential for harm is real. Melted plastic can stick to the microwave’s interior, creating difficult-to-remove residues that may contaminate future meals. Furthermore, if the fire were to spread or cause an electrical short in your home’s wiring, the consequences could be catastrophic. Ignoring this recall turns a simple kitchen tool into a potential fire starter and a source of hazardous materials. The remedy is straightforward and free, but the cost of ignoring it—measured in safety, property damage, and peace of mind—is far too high to risk.

Staying safe: broader tips

While specific product recalls are essential for addressing immediate dangers, building a habit of proactive safety in your home is the best way to protect your family over the long term. Kitchen safety, in particular, requires a balance of awareness and routine checks. One of the most critical yet often overlooked hazards involves aluminum cookware and dishware in microwaves. As this recall illustrates, even items that appear safe can cause severe fires if they contain metal components. Always read labels carefully before placing any item in the microwave. If a product is not explicitly marked "microwave-safe," assume it is not. This simple rule prevents not only fires but also damage to your appliance and potential exposure to harmful chemicals that can leach from materials when heated improperly.

Beyond kitchen hazards, maintaining working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors is a non-negotiable part of home safety. These devices provide the earliest possible warning in case of fire or gas leaks, giving you precious time to evacuate. Test your alarms monthly by pressing the test button and replace batteries at least once a year, or when the device chirps a low-battery warning. Consider installing interconnected detectors so that when one sounds, they all do, ensuring everyone in the house hears the alert regardless of their location. This redundancy is vital for nighttime safety when smoke may not reach your bedroom detector immediately.

Finally, stay informed about product safety by regularly checking official recall databases. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) maintain comprehensive lists of recalls that are updated daily. You can sign up for email alerts to receive notifications about recalls affecting products you own or use frequently. This proactive approach ensures that you are not caught off guard by a potential hazard, allowing you to take action quickly before an incident occurs. By combining vigilance with regular maintenance and staying connected to official safety resources, you create a safer environment for your household.