Over 8 million Thermos jars and bottles recalled after 3 people suffer 'permanent vision loss'
Thermos, the popular food and beverage insulated container company, is voluntarily recalling more than 8 million jars and bottles for injury risk after several people "suffered permanent vision loss."
According to an April 30 recall notice from the company and posted on the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission website, "If perishable food or beverages are stored in the container for an extended period of time, the stopper can forcefully eject when opened, which can result in serious impact injury and laceration hazards to the consumer."
Thermos also shared the recall information in an Instagram story.
The malfunction is due to multiple models of containers missing a pressure relief function in the center of the stopper.
The recall includes roughly 5.8 million Stainless King Food Jars and 2.3 million Sportsman Food & Beverage Bottles.
Thermos received 27 total reports of users who "were struck by a stopper that forcefully ejected from these containers upon opening, including complaints of impact and laceration injuries requiring medical attention," according to the notice.
The recall says "Three consumers suffered permanent vision loss after being struck in the eye."
The Thermos Stainless King Food Jars, 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. SK3000 was sold in 16 ounces, SK3020 in 24 ounces and SK3010 in 40 ounces.
According to the recall notice, consumers who are in possession of a recalled product should stop use and contact Thermos to remedy the defect.
For SK3000 and SK3020 jars, Thermos is asking customers to send a photo of their disposed stopper to the company. For the SK3010 bottles, the company is asking consumers to send in their bottle with a prepaid shipping label.
"If you believe your product is impacted, please go to https://support.thermos.com and follow the instructions to submit 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, "You can also call 662-563-6822 between hours: 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m CST if you need further guidance. Please allow between 7-9 weeks after all information is received and verified by Thermos before we can process a shipment of your replacement stopper or product."
The jars and bottles were sold at retailers like Target and Walmart, in stores and online, and Amazon and Thermos online between roughly March 2008 and July 2024 for around $30.
ABC News has reached out to Thermos via their website, as well as Target, Walmart and Amazon.
