Thermos, the popular food and beverage insulated container company, is voluntarily recalling more than 8 million jars and bottles due to the risk of injury after several people suffered “permanent vision loss.”
According to the company’s April 30 recall notice and posted on the website of the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission, “If perishable food or beverages are stored in the container for an extended period of time, the stopper may be forced out when opened, resulting in a risk of serious injury to the consumer.”
Thermos also shared the recall information in an Instagram Story.
Thermos through the Consumer Product Safety Commission
This malfunction is due to the lack of a pressure relief function in the center of the stopper in many models of containers.
The recall involves approximately 5.8 million stainless King Food jars and 2.3 million Sportsman Food & Beverage bottles.
According to the notice, Thermos received a total of 27 reports from users who “were struck by a stopper that was forcefully ejected from these containers when opened, including complaints of impact and laceration injuries requiring medical attention.”
Thermos through the Consumer Product Safety Commission
“Three consumers lost permanent vision after suffering eye injuries,” the recall states.
Thermos Stainless King Food Jar, model numbers SK3000 and SK3020 made before July 2023, and all Thermos Sportsman Food & Beverage bottles with model number SK3010 are affected by the recall. The SK3000 was sold in 16 ounces, the SK3020 in 24 ounces, and the SK3010 in 40 ounces.
According to the recall notice, consumers who have the recalled product should stop using it and contact Thermos to resolve the defect.
For the SK3000 and SK3020 jars, Thermos is asking customers to send the company a photo of their disposed stopper. For SK3010 bottles, the company is asking consumers to ship their bottles with a prepaid shipping label.
“If you think your product has been affected, please go to https://support.thermos.com And follow the instructions for submitting a claim for a replacement stopper or product, depending on the model. “You will be able to fill out a form for a pre-paid label to return your SK3010 product,” reads a message on Thermos’ website.
The message continued, “If you need more guidance you can also call 662-563-6822 between 7am and 3:30pm CST. Please allow between 7-9 weeks after all information is received and verified by Thermos before we can process your replacement stopper or shipment of product.”
The jars and bottles were sold for about $30 between March 2008 and July 2024 at retailers like Target and Walmart, in stores and online at Amazon and Thermos online.
ABC News reached out to Thermos through its website as well as Target, Walmart and Amazon.
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