8.1 million Thermos food containers recalled after reports of injuries, including permanent vision loss

SCHAUMBURG, Ill. — The Consumer Product Safety Commission announced Thursday that Thermos is recalling about 8.1 million food jars and beverage bottles after reports that the containers’ stoppers can shoot off with enough force to cause serious injuries,  including three cases resulting in permanent vision loss.

• Thermos Stainless King Food Jars in 16-oz and 24-oz sizes (model numbers SK3000 and SK3020, manufactured before July 2023) 
• All Thermos Sportsman Food & Beverage Bottles in the 40-oz size (model number SK3010)

Together, about 5.8 million Stainless King jars and 2.3 million Sportsman bottles are affected.

According to the CPSC, the stoppers on the recalled containers lack a pressure relief valve in the center. When perishable food or beverages are stored inside for an extended period, pressure can build up — and when the lid is twisted open, the stopper can eject forcefully, striking the person opening it.

Thermos has received 27 reports of consumers being hit by an ejecting stopper, with some injuries requiring medical attention. Three consumers suffered permanent vision loss after being struck in the eye.

The affected products were sold at Target, Walmart and other stores nationwide, as well as online through Amazon, Walmart.com, Target.com and Thermos.com, between approximately March 2008 and July 2024. The containers retail for about $30 and come in a variety of colors. The Thermos trademark appears on the side of each product, and the model number is printed on the bottom.

The CPSC urges anyone who owns one of the recalled containers to stop using it immediately.

The remedy depends on which model you have. To confirm whether a specific container is included in the recall, check the model number on the bottom of the product.

• Owners of the SK3000 and SK3020 Stainless King Food Jars will receive a free replacement stopper equipped with a pressure relief valve. Consumers will be asked to throw away their existing stopper and send Thermos a photo confirming it has been disposed of.
• Owners of the SK3010 Sportsman Bottles will receive a free replacement bottle. Consumers will be asked to return the recalled bottle using a prepaid shipping label provided by the company.

To initiate a claim, consumers can visit support.thermos.com, go to thermos.com and click “Recall Info,” or call 662-563-6822 between 7 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. CT, Monday through Friday.