Popular vacuum flask brand Thermos has launched a large-scale product recall across multiple countries, including Hong Kong, China, the United States and Australia, after a safety defect was linked to serious injuries — including cases of permanent blindness.
The recall involves selected SK3000 and SK3020 stainless steel food jars, as well as the SK3010 food and beverage bottle model in certain markets. Authorities warned that pressure can build up inside the containers when perishable food or drinks are stored for extended periods, potentially causing the inner stopper to eject forcefully when opened.
According to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Thermos has recalled around 8.1 million products in the US. The agency said it received 27 reports of stoppers suddenly shooting out and striking users when containers were opened.
Among the reported incidents, three consumers suffered permanent vision loss after being struck in the eye by the stopper. Other injuries included cuts and impact-related wounds that required medical treatment.
In China, Thermos has recalled nearly four million food jars manufactured between 2011 and 2023. The company said affected customers will receive a replacement stopper fitted with a pressure-release valve free of charge to eliminate the safety risk.
Hong Kong distributor Thermos (Hong Kong) also announced a voluntary recall on May 29 covering SK3000 and SK3020 food jars sold between 2011 and 2024 that contain the non-pressure-release inner stopper design.
The company clarified that the SK3010 bottle model, which was discontinued globally in 2016, was never officially sold in Hong Kong.
A customer service representative said the affected food jars have not been sold in Hong Kong since 2017 and that only a small number of enquiries regarding the recall have been received so far.
Australia has also joined the recall effort, with authorities warning that pressure build-up inside affected containers could cause the stopper beneath the lid to be ejected with significant force.
While Thermos has yet to issue a detailed public response regarding the reported injuries, consumers who own the affected products are being urged to stop using them immediately and contact the company for replacement parts or further instructions.
The recall has sparked widespread concern online, with many consumers expressing shock that a household food container could potentially cause life-changing injuries.
