Thermos Recalls 8.2 Million Food Jars and Bottles After Stoppers Eject and Cause Permanent Vision Loss

Thermos LLC is recalling approximately 8.2 million Stainless King Food Jars and Sportsman Food & Beverage Bottles sold nationwide because a missing pressure-relief mechanism in the stopper can cause it to forcefully eject when the container is opened — striking users and in three confirmed cases causing permanent vision loss. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission posted the voluntary recall on April 30, 2026. The affected products were sold at Target, Walmart, Amazon, and other retailers across the United States from March 2008 through July 2024 for around $30.

Stop using your Thermos immediately if you own any of the models below.

Quick Facts

Field	Detail
Company	Thermos L.L.C., Schaumburg, Illinois
Products Recalled	Stainless King Food Jar (SK3000, 16 oz); Stainless King Food Jar (SK3020, 24 oz); Sportsman Food & Beverage Bottle (SK3010, 40 oz)
Units Affected	~5.8 million food jars (SK3000 and SK3020); ~2.3 million bottles (SK3010) — 8.2 million total
Model Numbers	SK3000, SK3020 (manufactured before July 2023); SK3010 (all units)
Where to Find Model Number	Printed on the bottom of the container
Recall Reason	Stopper lacks a pressure-relief mechanism — can forcefully eject upon opening and cause impact injuries or lacerations
Recall Date	April 30, 2026
Recall Number	26-444 (CPSC)
Sold At	Target, Walmart, Amazon, Thermos.com, Walmart.com, Target.com — nationwide
Sale Period	March 2008 – July 2024
Sale Price	Approximately $30
Manufactured In	China and Malaysia
Consumer Action	Stop use immediately. Contact Thermos for a free replacement stopper or bottle.
Thermos Support	support.thermos.com | 662-563-6822 (Mon–Fri, 7 a.m.–3:30 p.m. CT)
Official CPSC Notice	cpsc.gov — Recall No. 26-444

What Went Wrong and How Serious Is It

The Design Flaw

The stopper of the recalled Food Jars and Food & Beverage Bottles does not have a pressure relief in the center. When you store perishable food or beverages in an insulated container, natural pressure builds up inside over time. A properly designed stopper includes a pressure-relief mechanism — a small vent in the center — that allows that pressure to escape safely before the stopper is removed.

The recalled models are missing this mechanism entirely. 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.

Injuries Reported

This is not a theoretical risk. Thermos has received 27 reports of consumers who were struck by a stopper that forcefully ejected from these containers upon opening, including complaints of impact and laceration injuries requiring medical attention. Three consumers suffered permanent vision loss after being struck in the eye.

Three people are permanently blind because of this defect. The stopper does not simply pop off — it ejects with enough force to cause lacerations and eye injuries at close range.

Which Products Are Affected

The affected models include Thermos Stainless King Food Jars manufactured before July 2023: models SK3000 (16-ounce) and SK3020 (24-ounce), and all Thermos Sportsman Food & Beverage Bottles with model number SK3010 (40-ounce), regardless of manufacture date.

The Thermos trademark appears on the side of the product. The model number is printed on the bottom. If you see SK3000, SK3020, or SK3010 on the bottom, your product is recalled.

These containers were sold in multiple colors. Color does not determine whether a product is affected — the model number does.

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What You Should Do Right Now

Follow these steps exactly, depending on which product you own.

If you own a Stainless King Food Jar (SK3000 or SK3020):

1. Stop using the jar immediately. Do not open it if it currently contains food or liquids.
2. Dispose of the stopper. Remove it carefully — point the opening away from your face — and throw it away.
3. Photograph the disposed stopper before or after discarding it. Thermos requires this photo to process your replacement.
4. Submit your claim at support.thermos.com to receive a free replacement pressure-relief stopper by mail.
5. Allow 7–9 weeks after Thermos receives and verifies your information before your replacement ships.

If you own a Sportsman Food & Beverage Bottle (SK3010):

1. Stop using the bottle immediately.
2. Contact Thermos at support.thermos.com or call 662-563-6822 to request a prepaid shipping label.
3. Return the recalled bottle to Thermos using the prepaid label they provide.
4. Receive a replacement bottle (model SK3030) at no cost.
5. Allow 7–9 weeks for processing and shipment after Thermos receives your returned bottle.

Contact information:

• Online: support.thermos.com or thermos.com → “Contact Us” or “Recall Info”
• Phone: 662-563-6822
• Hours: Monday–Friday, 7 a.m.–3:30 p.m. CT

If you were struck by an ejecting stopper and suffered an eye injury or laceration, seek medical attention immediately. Report the incident to the CPSC at SaferProducts.gov or by calling 800-638-2772.

What NOT to Do

• Do not open a recalled container that currently holds food or liquid without first releasing any pressure carefully — point the opening away from your face and any bystanders.
• Do not continue using the jar without a stopper while waiting for your replacement. The jar is not functional or safe without a properly designed stopper.
• Do not sell, give away, or donate the recalled containers. Federal law prohibits selling products subject to a CPSC voluntary recall.

Regulatory and Legal Context

This recall is a voluntary recall conducted by Thermos L.L.C. in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), which is the federal agency charged with protecting consumers from unreasonable product safety risks. The CPSC published the official notice on April 30, 2026 under Recall No. 26-444.

Thermos is not currently facing legal action over this recall, but the recall involves confirmed serious injuries to multiple consumers. Separately, Thermos is facing a class action lawsuit alleging the company advertised fictitious regular prices and corresponding phantom discounts on products sold on its website — that is a distinct matter unrelated to this safety recall.

Given the severity of the injuries involved — three consumers with permanent vision loss and 27 confirmed incident reports — product liability attorneys may investigate this matter. Consumers who suffered injuries from an ejecting stopper should consult a qualified personal injury or product liability attorney about their legal options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which specific models are recalled? 

Three models: the 16-oz Stainless King Food Jar (SK3000), the 24-oz Stainless King Food Jar (SK3020) manufactured before July 2023, and the 40-oz Sportsman Food & Beverage Bottle (SK3010) — all units regardless of manufacture date. The model number is printed on the bottom of the container.

How do I know if I have an affected product?

 Flip the container over and look at the bottom. If you see SK3000, SK3020, or SK3010, the product is recalled. For SK3000 and SK3020, the recall applies only to units manufactured before July 2023 — check the bottom for any date markings, or contact Thermos directly if you are unsure.

I’ve been using one of these jars for years without a problem. Do I still need to stop? 

Yes, stop using it immediately. The ejection risk occurs specifically when perishable food or beverages are stored for an extended period of time. The fact that it has not ejected yet does not mean it is safe to continue using.

What if I already opened the container and was hit by the stopper?

 Seek medical attention right away if you were struck — particularly if you experienced any eye pain, vision changes, or lacerations. Then report the injury to the CPSC at SaferProducts.gov or call 800-638-2772. Consider consulting a product liability attorney about your rights.

Do I need a receipt or proof of purchase to get a replacement?

 The CPSC notice and Thermos’s support page do not require proof of purchase. For SK3000 and SK3020 jars, you submit a photo of the disposed stopper. For SK3010 bottles, you return the bottle using a prepaid label. Contact Thermos at 662-563-6822 if you have specific questions about the claims process.

How do I get my free replacement?

 Visit support.thermos.com and follow the recall claim instructions for your specific model. SK3000 and SK3020 owners receive a new pressure-relief stopper by mail. SK3010 owners return the bottle and receive a replacement bottle (SK3030). Processing takes 7–9 weeks after Thermos verifies your submission.

Who regulates this recall and where can I find official information? 

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) oversees this recall. The official recall notice — CPSC Recall No. 26-444 — is available at cpsc.gov/Recalls. Thermos’s official recall page is at support.thermos.com.

Can I still use the jar body if I remove the stopper? 

No. The jar is not functional or safe to use without a properly designed stopper. Wait for your free replacement stopper or bottle before using the container again.

Last Updated: May 7, 2026. This article is for informational purposes only. Always follow official recall guidance from Thermos L.L.C. and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. For the most current instructions, visit support.thermos.comor the CPSC official recall page at CPSC Recall No. 26-444.