A massive recall of 8.2 million insulated food containers has just been ordered in the United States after several serious accidents. The advisory published on April 30 by the American Consumer Product Safety Commission describes caps that can be ejected violently when opened and cause lacerations to the face or even loss of vision.
The American manufacturer Thermos recalls in total 8.2 million bottles and jars : 5.8 million Stainless King food boxes and 2.3 million Sportsman Food and Beverage insulated bottles, sold between March 2008 and July 2024 at Target, Walmart and online at Amazon.com, Walmart.com, Target.com and Thermos.com. These references, marketed over sixteen years, can still be found in French kitchens. Thermos specifies: “At this time we are only processing claims and replacements for the United States“.
Thermos recall: models of bottles and jars affected
According to the American Consumer Product Safety Commission, the recall targets insulated water bottles Thermos Sportsman Food & Beverage for all units of the SK3010 model, and also Food & Beverage food boxes and bottles for all units of the SK3000, SK3020 and SK3010 models.
Food containers Thermos Stainless King manufactured before July 2023, for models SK3000 and SK3020, are also included. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission says consumers should immediately stop using these containers and bottles and contact Thermos to receive a free replacement pressure relief cap or bottle, depending on the model.
Here is the detailed list of objects : Thermos Sportsman Food & Beverage insulated water bottles, with all units of model SK3010, food boxes and Food & Beverage bottles, for all units of models SK3000, SK3020 and SK3010, as well as Thermos Stainless King food containers manufactured before July 2023, models SK3000 and SK3020.
Defective Thermos caps: how the danger arises
The problem stems from a design flaw in the cap, which is designed to retain heat and prevent leaks. For the recalled models, the caps do not have a pressure relief valve, unlike other products of the brand. When perishable food or drinks remain closed for a long time, internal pressure builds and can force the cap towards the face.
In a press release published at the end of April, Thermos summarized the risk in these terms: “In the interest of safety, we are voluntarily recalling the caps without safety valve of our Stainless King food boxes (models SK3000 and SK3020) and the Sportsman 1.2 L insulated bottle (model SK3010). If perishable food or beverages are stored in the container for an extended period of time, the cap may be violently ejected when opened, which can result in serious injury and lacerations.“.
What to do if you have a Thermos bottle purchased online?
According to Thermos, 27 consumers have already been injured and required medical attention, including three people who report permanent vision loss after being hit in the eye. For an everyday object often entrusted to children, this assessment encourages you to quickly identify the model of each flask or insulated jar.
The American authorities recommend that you no longer use the affected products and contact Thermos to obtain a pressure relief cap or a replacement bottle, even if the steps are currently limited to the United States. As long as this recall remains managed from the United States, it is best to store these containers and avoid opening them near the face.