Full Breakdown
Thermos Recalls Over 8 Million Food Jars and Bottles Over Stopper Hazard
5/2/2026, 7:22:02 AM
Recall Overview
Thermos L.L.C. announced a voluntary recall of about 8.2 million containers after the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) identified a stopper design flaw that can cause the lid to eject forcefully. The recall includes 5.8 million Stainless King Food Jars (models SK3000 – 16 oz and SK3020 – 24 oz, made before July 2023) and 2.3 million Sportsman Food & Beverage Bottles (model SK3010 – 40 oz, all dates). The items were sold at Target, Walmart, Amazon and Thermos.com from March 2008 to July 2024 for roughly $30 each.
Design Flaw and Safety Risk
The recalled stoppers lack a central pressure-relief valve. When food or liquid remains sealed for a long time, pressure can build and cause the stopper to “forcefully eject” on opening, turning the lid into a projectile. The CPSC warned this can cause serious impact injury and laceration hazards.
Injury Data
CPSC records show 27 reports of injuries, ranging from cuts and bruises to three cases of permanent vision loss after a stopper struck the eye. No deaths have been reported. Thermos will provide a free replacement pressure-relief stopper for SK3000 and SK3020 jars, or a replacement bottle for SK3010, with no refunds offered.
Official Statements & Responses
Thermos said it is cooperating fully with the CPSC and is committed to resolving the issue safely and promptly. The company instructs owners to stop using the products, file a claim online, and follow model-specific return steps: a photo of the discarded stopper for jars or a prepaid label for bottles. The CPSC recall notice reiterates the hazard and urges immediate cessation of use.
Consumer Concerns
Consumer groups note that refunds are not offered and that replacement parts may take seven to nine weeks, placing a burden on owners who bought the items years ago.
Verbatim Quotes
- “committed to resolving this issue as safely and promptly as possible, as reflected in our voluntary recall conducted in full cooperation with the C.P.S.C.” — Thermos spokesperson
- “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.” — U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
- “Three consumers suffered permanent vision loss after being struck in the eye.” — U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
- “The commission warned that this defect can result in “serious impact injury and laceration hazards” for consumers.” — U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Next Steps for Consumers
Owners should locate the model number on the container bottom, stop use, and submit a claim at support.thermos.com or call 662-563-6822 (7 a.m.–3:30 p.m. CT, Mon-Fri). Replacement stoppers arrive in seven to nine weeks; bottles are shipped after the prepaid return is received. The CPSC will keep monitoring reports.
