Thermos recalls 8.1 million food jars and bottles after stoppers cause permanent eye injuries

Key facts

• Thermos recalled approximately 5.8 million Stainless King Food Jars and 2.3 million Sportsman Food & Beverage Bottles.
• The recall involves model numbers SK3000, SK3020 (food jars) and SK3010 (bottles), manufactured before July 2023.
• Products were sold from 2008 to 2024 at retailers including Target, Walmart, and Amazon.
• of consumers struck by forcefully ejecting stoppers, with three suffering permanent vision loss.
• The stopper lacks a pressure relief mechanism, causing ejection when perishable contents are stored for extended periods.
• Consumers can receive a free replacement stopper or bottle by contacting Thermos via phone, website, or email.
• The recall is overseen by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

Stopper defect leads to serious injuries

Thermos L.L.C. has recalled more than eight million food jars and bottles after discovering that the stopper can forcefully eject upon opening, causing impact and laceration hazards. incidents, including three cases of permanent vision loss when consumers were struck in the eye. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced the recall, urging immediate cessation of use.

Affected models and sale history

The recall covers Thermos Stainless King Food Jars in 16-ounce (SK3000) and 24-ounce (SK3020) sizes, as well as the 40-ounce Sportsman Food & Beverage Bottle (SK3010). All units manufactured before July 2023 are included. The containers were sold in various colors from 2008 through 2024 at major retailers including Target, Walmart, and Amazon. The Thermos trademark appears on the side, with model numbers printed on the bottom.

Mechanism of the hazard

The stopper on the recalled containers lacks a pressure relief vent in its center. When perishable food or beverages are stored inside for an extended period, pressure can build up. Upon opening, the stopper can eject with force, striking the user. The company stated that this design flaw creates a risk of serious impact injury and lacerations. In the most severe cases, three individuals suffered permanent vision loss after being hit in the eye.

Remedy and consumer instructions

Consumers are instructed to stop using the recalled products immediately and contact Thermos for a free replacement. For SK3000 and SK3020 food jars, users must discard the stopper and send a photo of the disposed stopper to Thermos. For SK3010 bottles, consumers must return the entire bottle using a prepaid shipping label provided by the company. Thermos can be reached at 662-563-6822 from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or via their website at support.thermos.com.

Broader context of product safety

The recall highlights ongoing challenges in consumer product safety. The CPSC, established over 50 years ago, is tasked with protecting the public from unreasonable injury risks. According to the agency, deaths, injuries, and property damage from consumer product incidents cost the nation more than $1 trillion annually. This recall joins a series of recent safety actions, including recalls of heated socks, baby food jars contaminated with rat poison, and Ford F-150 pickup trucks with gearshift issues.

Open questions and next steps

Thermos has not disclosed the exact number of units still in use or the timeline for completing replacements. The company is working with the CPSC to ensure all affected consumers are notified. It remains unclear whether additional models or production dates may be involved. Consumers are advised to check their products and act promptly to avoid potential injury.

The bottom line

• Over 8 million Thermos containers are recalled due to stoppers that can forcefully eject, causing serious injuries.
• Three consumers suffered permanent vision loss from being struck in the eye by the ejecting stopper.
• The recall affects models SK3000, SK3020, and SK3010 sold between 2008 and 2024.
• Consumers can receive free replacement stoppers or bottles by contacting Thermos directly.
• The CPSC oversees the recall, emphasizing the broader economic impact of product-related incidents exceeding $1 trillion annually.