Thermos Recalls 8 Million Products After Serious Incidents

It seems that products meant to keep us warm are actually causing harm. Thermos is recalling over 8 million stainless steel King Food jars and bottles. This decision comes after 27 reports of customers encountering stoppers that popped out unexpectedly, resulting in three individuals experiencing “permanent vision loss,” as reported by the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

The recall, announced on April 30, affects three specific models: the Stainless Steel King Food Jar, the 40-ounce Sportsman Food & Beverage Bottle, and the 24-ounce Stainless King Food Jar. These items had been sold at major retailers like Target, Walmart, and Amazon, along with their website, for quite some years.

The root of the issue lies in the stopper design, which lacks a pressure relief mechanism. So, when fresh food and beverages sit for an extended period, gas can accumulate in the closed containers. This builds pressure, and without a way to relieve it, the stopper can pop out when opened, creating a significant risk of injury.

This scenario highlights a flaw in the design that interacts with natural processes. As food ferments, gas and pressure build up—this is what caused the lids to force open unexpectedly.

Interestingly, the risks can extend beyond just spoiled food. Fresh foods can ferment too if they’re left unrefrigerated for too long—particularly in an airtight setting. It’s a bit like how a champagne cork can pop. So, it seems the defect isn’t only about misuse but also about a lack of adequate safety features in the product.

The company has directed customers to stop using affected items immediately and reach out to Thermos for a replacement stopper or product, free of charge. Users should keep their recalled stoppers until they’re notified about what to do next. They also indicated that replacement shipments could take around seven to nine weeks post-approval of claims, depending on stock availability.

The online response to the recall has been quite animated. Some users are pointing fingers at improper use. One Redditor noted, “The recall memo clearly states this is what happens when you leave food out for too long. Thermoses aren’t designed for that. Why would they recall it over misuse?”

Another commentator jokingly remarked, “Natural selection seems to be taking its time with leftovers these days.” Others took a more critical stance, suggesting that people’s intelligence should be reconsidered.

“Isn’t it evident that people used to let food sit until it rotted, generating gas, then opened it while looking straight at it? If only common sense were as warm as those jars,” one user quipped.