Cleaning the barbecue grill is always a good idea, but a new study from the University of Missouri has found that it can be a serious health hazard. The problem is that bristles from the wire cleaning brush are sometimes left behind and get stuck in food when it is placed on the grill.

The research found as many as 1,698 grill-related injuries between 2002 and 2014, mostly to mouths, throats and tonsils, but also to internal organs. A few patients even required surgery. David Chang, M.D., from the MU School of Medicine, says that it is important that people, manufacturers and health care providers know about this consumer safety issue. “If doctors are unaware that this problem exists, they may not order the appropriate tests or capture the correct patient history to reach the right diagnosis.”

Chang said that just one little bristle could be lodged in various areas of the mouth or throat, or get stuck further down in the stomach or intestine. “The biggest worry is that it will lodge into those areas and get stuck in the wall of the intestine.”

Ron Paldino, sales associate at Lowe’s Home Improvement, suggests examining grill-cleaning brushes and replacing them once they are old enough to have loose bristles. Paldino said, “You need to thoroughly check your grill after you’ve used this to make sure there are no bristles stuck, or left on the grill. Wipe your grill down with a rag. This may help catch any stray bristles.”

Paldino said grillers may want to consider a ceramic coated brush with a detachable head. “Once the bristles get old you can replace it for a very modest cost.”

Another alternative is a brush with nylon bristles. Also check food after cooking to be sure no bristles are stuck in or on it.

The study was published in the journal Otolayrngology-Head and Neck Surgery.