A nationwide recall has been issued for millions of Thermos food jars and beverage bottles after a defect caused components to eject unexpectedly. The products were sold over more than a decade through major retailers and online platforms.
The issue has raised concerns about product safety standards, as reports include injuries requiring medical attention and cases of permanent vision loss. Consumers have been urged to stop using the affected items immediately while the company implements replacement measures.
Defective Stoppers Linked to Injuries and Vision Loss
The recall covers approximately8.2 million containers, including 5.8 million Stainless King Food Jars and 2.3 million Sportsman Food & Beverage Bottles. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, the defect lies in the stopper design, which lacks a pressure-relief mechanism.
This flaw allows pressure to build up when food or liquids are stored for extended periods. When the container is opened, the stopper caneject forcefully, posing a risk of impact and laceration injuries. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, Thermos has received 27 reports of such incidents.
Among these cases, several required medical attention. Three consumers reported permanent vision loss after being struck in the eye by an ejected stopper. According to NBC News, these injuries were directly linked to the force with which the stopper was expelled upon opening.
The affected models include Stainless King Food Jars with model numbers SK3000 and SK3020, manufactured before July 2023, as well as all Sportsman Food & Beverage Bottles with model number SK3010. These products were sold in various sizes and colours, with model numbers printed on the base.
Products Sold Widely over 16 Years Now Subject to Recall Measures
The recalled containers were available from March 2008 through July 2024 at major retailers including Walmart, Target and Amazon, as well as through Thermos’s own website. The products were typically priced at around $30 and distributed across the United States.
Consumers in possession of the affected items are advised to stop using them immediately. The remedy depends on the model. For Stainless King Food Jars, customers are instructed to dispose of the stopper and submit photographic proof to the company. For Sportsman bottles, the entire product must be returned using a prepaid shipping label provided by Thermos.
In exchange, the company is offering either a replacement stopper equipped with a pressure-relief feature or a full product replacement. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, these measures are intended to eliminate the risk associated with pressure build-up inside the containers.
Thermos has provided multiple contact options, including anonline support pageand a customer service phone line operating during weekday business hours. The recall notice emphasises the importance of compliance to prevent further injuries. The scale of the recall, combined with the severity of reported outcomes, underlines the risks associated with seemingly routine household items when design flaws go undetected over time.
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