A major recall has been issued for millions of Thermos food jars and beverage bottles after reports that pressurized contents can cause stoppers to eject forcefully, resulting in serious injuries, including permanent vision loss.
Thermos announced on April 30, 2026, that it is recalling approximately 5.8 million Thermos Stainless King Food Jars and about 2.3 million Thermos Sportsman Food & Beverage Bottles sold across the United States and online over the past several years.
The recall covers Stainless King Food Jars with model numbers SK3000 (16-ounce) and SK3020 (24-ounce), as well as Sportsman Food & Beverage Bottles with model number SK3010 (40-ounce).
According to the company, all affected products were manufactured before July 2023 and were sold in a variety of colors at major retailers including Target, Walmart, and Amazon, as well as directly through Thermos’ website between roughly March 2008 and July 2024 for about $30.
Pressure buildup leads to dangerous lid ejection
The issue stems from the stopper design, which lacks a central pressure relief mechanism. Thermos said that when perishable food or beverages are stored in the containers for extended periods, internal pressure can build up. When opened, the stopper may eject with significant force.
The company warned that this poses “serious impact injury and laceration hazards” to consumers.
Injuries include permanent vision loss
Thermos has received 27 reports of incidents in which consumers were struck by an ejecting stopper. Several of those cases required medical attention for impact injuries and lacerations.
Alarmingly, three individuals suffered permanent vision loss after being struck in the eye.
What consumers should do
Consumers are being urged to immediately stop using the affected products.
For the Stainless King Food Jars (SK3000 and SK3020), Thermos is offering a free replacement pressure-relief stopper. Customers will be asked to dispose of the existing stopper and submit a photo as proof of disposal.
For the Sportsman Bottle (SK3010), consumers will receive a full replacement unit and must return the recalled product using a prepaid shipping label provided by the company.
How to get help
Consumers can contact Thermos through its support site under “Contact Us” or “Recall Info,” or by calling 662-563-6822 between 7 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Central Time, Monday through Friday.
The importer of record is Thermos L.L.C., of Schaumburg, Illinois, which distributes products manufactured in China and Malaysia.
The recall has been assigned number 26-444.