Thermos is undertaking a voluntary recall of approximately 8.2 million jars and bottles due to safety concerns following reports of injuries linked to product stoppers. The announcement was made by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), highlighting the potential hazards associated with the absence of pressure-relief valves in the affected items.
The recall encompasses around 5.8 million Stainless King Food Jars and roughly 2.3 million Sportsman Food & Beverage Bottles. According to the CPSC, when food and liquids remain in these containers for an extended period, it can lead to a dangerous buildup of pressure. Upon opening, the resultant force may cause the stopper to “forcefully eject,” which has resulted in injuries for some users.
The commission has recorded 27 incidents where customers were struck by the stoppers, leading to injuries that required medical attention. Alarmingly, three individuals experienced permanent vision loss after being hit in the eyes.
In response to the issue, Thermos released a statement, emphasizing their commitment to addressing the situation efficiently and safely. The company is cooperating fully with the CPSC as they manage the recall process. The safety malfunction predominantly affects models SK3000 and SK3020 of the Stainless King Food Jar, manufactured before July 2023, along with all SK3010 models of the Sportsman Food & Beverage Bottle. Consumers can identify the affected models by checking the bottoms of their containers.
The recalled products were available for purchase online and in retail stores across the United States, with prices typically around $30, for the period from March 2008 to July 2024. Thermos is advising customers who own these jars and bottles to immediately cease using them. A claims form is available on thermos.com, where customers can opt for either a replacement product or a new stopper equipped with a pressure-relief valve. Thermos estimates that it might take seven to nine weeks for the replacement items to arrive.
Importantly, the company clarified that refunds are not offered, and consumers are instructed not to return their recalled products to retail locations. The items subject to the recall were manufactured in China and Malaysia, and were imported by Thermos, which is headquartered in Schaumburg, Illinois.
This recall follows a similar incident last July when Walmart recalled approximately 850,000 stainless steel water bottles due to comparable safety issues related to the lids, which also posed risks of causing injuries, including permanent vision loss for some customers.
