Thermos LLC, a leading manufacturer of insulated containers for food and beverages, has initiated a recall of 8.2 million units in the United States. This decision comes after receiving 27 reports of consumers being struck by forcefully ejected stoppers, which resulted in three individuals suffering permanent vision loss.
The action was prompted by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), which issued an official recall notice on April 30.
The commission explicitly detailed the hazard: "If perishable food or beverages are stored in the container for an extended period, the stopper can violently eject upon opening, posing a serious risk of impact injuries and lacerations to the consumer."
Scope of the Recall
The recall involves approximately 5.8 million Stainless King food jars and 2.3 million Sportsman bottles for food and beverages, each sold at around $30.
The issue stems from a design flaw: "The stoppers of the affected jars and bottles lack a central pressure relief valve," according to the CPSC.
When perishable items are stored for prolonged periods, internal pressure can build up, causing the stopper to launch at high speed, potentially striking the user in the face.
Reported Incidents and Affected Models
Thermos has acknowledged receiving 27 incident reports, "including injuries requiring medical attention," and confirmed that three consumers "reported permanent vision loss after being struck in the eye."
The affected models are the Thermos Stainless King jars (16 oz SK3000 and 24 oz SK3020, manufactured before July 2023) and the Thermos Sportsman bottles (40 oz SK3010).
These products were sold in various colors and sizes: 16 oz (model SK3000), 24 oz (model SK3020), and 40 oz (model SK3010). The model number is printed on the bottom, with the Thermos brand on the side.
Consumer Instructions
The products were available from March 2008 to July 2024 at retailers like Walmart and Target, and online at Amazon.com, Walmart.com, Target.com, and Thermos.com.
Authorities urge owners to immediately cease use and contact the company for a free replacement.
Owners of the SK3000 and SK3020 models should dispose of the defective stopper and send a photo to Thermos to receive a complimentary pressure relief stopper. SK3010 owners need to return the entire product using a prepaid shipping label provided by the company and will receive a replacement bottle (model SK3030).
For further details, consumers can call 662-563-6822, Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Central Time, or visit Thermos' support site.
Pattern of Safety Concerns
This is not an isolated incident. In July 2025, Walmart recalled approximately 850,000 Ozark Trail 64 oz bottles due to a similar defect: the screw cap could eject forcefully when internal pressure built up, resulting in three facial injury incidents, two with permanent vision loss.
Both cases highlight a troubling trend with stainless steel thermal containers that lack adequate pressure release valves, a design flaw identified by the CPSC as posing a risk of "severe impacts and lacerations."
Recent months have seen other product recalls due to health risks in the U.S., including millions of bottles of eye drops at pharmacies and over a million bags of shredded cheese due to potential contamination, reflecting increased scrutiny by the CPSC and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on mass consumer products.
The CPSC published the official recall notice for Thermos under identification number 26-444, available on the federal commission's official website, where consumers can verify if their products are included in the alert.
Frequently Asked Questions about Thermos Product Recall
What caused the Thermos recall?
The recall was initiated due to a design flaw where the stoppers lacked a pressure relief valve, causing them to eject forcefully and potentially injure consumers.
What should owners of recalled Thermos products do?
Owners should stop using the products immediately and contact Thermos for a free replacement. Specific instructions apply to different models, like disposing of defective stoppers or returning the entire product.
Which Thermos models are affected by the recall?
The recall affects the Thermos Stainless King jars (models SK3000 and SK3020) and the Thermos Sportsman bottles (model SK3010).