More than 8 million Thermos food containers are being recalled after federal safety regulators warned that the containers can build up enough pressure to launch their stoppers with dangerous force. The risk has already left three people permanently blind.
The recalled containers include the Stainless King Food Jars with model numbers SK3000 and SK3020—sold in 16-ounce and 24-ounce sizes—and the Sportsman Food & Beverage Bottle with model number SK3010, a 40-ounce container. All three models lack a pressure relief valve in the center of the stopper, which is the root of the danger. Consumers can identify recalled units by checking model numbers printed on the bottom of the container.
When perishable food or drinks are stored inside for too long, gases can accumulate and push the stopper outward with enough force to cause serious injuries and lacerations when it's opened, the agency said.
Thermos received 27 reports of consumers being struck by ejecting stoppers, including injuries serious enough to require medical care. Among those, three consumers became blind after being struck in the eye.
The jars and bottles were manufactured by Thermos L.L.C. of Schaumburg, Illinois, and made in China and Malaysia. They were sold at major retailers including Target, Walmart, and online at Amazon.com, Walmart.com, Target.com, and Thermos.com between roughly March 2008 and July 2024, priced at around $30. The Stainless King Food Jars were only manufactured before July 2023.
The remedy depends on which product a consumer owns. Owners of the SK3000 and SK3020 Food Jars will be asked to throw out the stopper and send a photo of the disposed piece to Thermos in exchange for a free replacement pressure relief stopper. Owners of the SK3010 Sportsman Bottle will need to return the entire bottle to Thermos using a prepaid shipping label and will receive a free replacement bottle.
The recall is listed under CPSC recall number 26-444.
Consumers who own any of the recalled containers are urged to visit Thermos.com or contact the company directly for instructions on how to return or replace the items.