Thermos Issues Recall for Over 8 Million Food Jars and Bottles Due to Injury Risks

Issue Details

Thermos has announced a recall of more than 8 million food jars and beverage bottles following reports indicating that a component of the lid can eject forcefully, leading to potential injuries. This information was revealed by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

The recall specifically involves approximately 5.8 million Stainless King Food Jars and 2.3 million Sportsman Food and Beverage Bottles sold in the United States over several years. The main concern revolves around the stopper in certain models, which can pose injury risks if food or drinks are stored for extended periods, as pressure buildup inside the container may lead to a dangerous release when opened.

Potential Hazards

Thermos identified that the absence of a pressure relief feature in the center of the stopper could result in a “forceful ejection” of the stopper, creating serious impact injury and laceration hazards. In total, the company received 27 incident reports of consumers being struck by the stopper upon opening the container, leading to serious injuries including three cases of permanent vision loss.

Affected Products

The affected models include the Stainless King Food Jars with model numbers SK3000 and SK3020, manufactured prior to July 2023, alongside all Sportsman bottles featuring model number SK3010. These products have been available at major retail outlets such as Target, Walmart, and Amazon, as well as online, between March 2008 and July 2024.

Consumer Guidance

In light of the recall, Thermos has instructed consumers to cease use of the affected items immediately. There are specific return procedures depending on the product model; some consumers are required to send a photo of the disposed stopper, while others must return the product using a prepaid shipping label provided by Thermos.

Customers are encouraged to visit Thermos’ support website to apply for a replacement or to reach out to the company’s helpline for further assistance regarding the recall.