More than eight million Thermos-branded travel mugs have been recalled in the US after a fault caused lids to violently eject, leading to serious injuries including permanent vision loss. The US Consumer Product Safety Commission issued the urgent recall, warning that pressure can build up inside the container and force the stopper out with significant force when opened.
The recall affects two product ranges: Stainless King food jars and Sportsman food and beverage bottles. Specific models include the 16-ounce Stainless King Food Jar (SK3000), 24-ounce Stainless King Food Jar (SK3020) made before July 2023, and the 40-ounce Sportsman Food & Beverage Bottle (SK3010). In total, around 5.8 million food jars and 2.3 million bottles are impacted.
The products were sold in major US stores including Walmart and Target, as well as online via Amazon, between March 2008 and July 2024. They were typically priced at around $30 and came in various colours with the Thermos logo on the side. The serial or model number can be found on the bottom of the container.
Thermos has received at least 27 reports of incidents where consumers were struck by the ejecting stopper, resulting in cuts and impact injuries requiring medical treatment. The recall states: 'Three consumers suffered permanent vision loss after being struck in the eye.'
Customers are urged to stop using the recalled mugs immediately and contact Thermos for a free replacement. For some models, users must dispose of the stopper and provide photographic proof, while others require returning the product using a prepaid shipping label. The products were manufactured in China and Malaysia.
