Thermos L.L.C., based in Illinois, is recalling over 8 million food jars and beverage bottles, according to an announcement by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) on Thursday, April 30. These products have a serious design flaw where the bottle cap may “forcefully eject,” resulting in injuries to multiple consumers, with some even experiencing permanent blindness.
The large-scale recall involves approximately 5.8 million Stainless King series food jars and 2.3 million Sportsman series beverage bottles, with product sales spanning over 15 years.
The regulatory agency noted that Thermos has received 27 reports of bottle caps forcefully ejecting upon opening and hitting users, causing injuries such as impact wounds and cuts that require medical treatment. Among them, 3 consumers have suffered permanent blindness due to being struck in the eyes.
Officials stated that the affected containers lack a pressure-release mechanism. If perishable food or liquid is stored in the container for an extended period, gas buildup can lead to internal pressure accumulation.
CPSC issued a warning in the announcement: “If perishable food or beverages are stored in the container for a prolonged period, upon opening, the bottle cap may forcefully eject, posing a severe risk of impact injuries and cuts to consumers.”
The specific models included in this recall are:
Stainless King food jars (16 ounces, model: SK3000) and (24 ounces, model: SK3020):
Manufactured before July 2023.
Sportsman beverage bottle (40 ounces, model: SK3010):
All products of this model are included in the recall.
These products were manufactured in China and Malaysia, sold from March 2008 to July 2024 at major retailers in the U.S. such as Target, Walmart, as well as on Amazon and Thermos’ official website at a price around $30.
Authorities urge all consumers who own the mentioned model products to immediately cease using them and follow the steps below to contact Thermos for remedial measures:
For SK3000 and SK3020 food jars:
Consumers should discard the old bottle cap and provide Thermos with a photo of the destroyed one to receive a new cap with a “pressure-release function” free of charge.
For SK3010 beverage bottle:
As the entire bottle body needs to be replaced, consumers should contact Thermos to receive a prepaid shipping label to return the old bottle in exchange for a new product.
Thermos Recall Hotline: 662-563-6822
Official Recall Webpage: https://www.thermos.com/recall