Storied drinkware brand Thermos is recalling over 8 million vacuum-sealed containers because the lids lack a pressure-relief feature, creating a potential safety hazard. 

If perishable food or beverages are stored in the container for an extended time, the stopper can eject forcefully when opened, potentially causing significant injury. The company has received 28 injury reports, including cases of permanent vision loss.

The affected products are:

  • Thermos Stainless King Food Jars with model numbers SK3000 (16 oz.) and SK3020 (24 oz.) manufactured before July 2023.
  • All Thermos Sportsman Food & Beverage Bottles with model number SK3010.

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The Thermos trademark is located on the side of the product, and the model numbers are printed on the bottom. Retailers such as Target, Walmart, Amazon and others sold these items nationwide.

  • Just one of the three affected products – the 16-oz. Stainless King Food Jar – is sold in the branded merchandise industry by SnugZ USA, PPAI 100’s No. 6 supplier.
  • SnugZ also sells a Thermos bottle that looks very similar to the recalled Sportsman model, but it is not the same product and not subject to the recall.


A SnugZ representative told PPAI Media the company has proactively contacted all customers who purchased affected lots and provided instructions for obtaining a replacement. Customers with questions can contact the SnugZ Compliance Team at compliance@snugzusa.com.

“Customer safety is our top priority. While the risk is extremely low, we are working closely with Thermos to ensure all impacted customers are informed and supported with a replacement,” says Rosanne Webster, chief compliance officer with SnugZ USA.

CPSC Instructions To Consumers

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission posted a recall notice on April 30 stating that consumers should stop using the recalled jars and bottles immediately and contact Thermos to receive a free replacement pressure relief stopper or replacement bottle, depending on the model.

  • For the recalled food jars, consumers should take a photo of the defective stopper, dispose of it and then send a photo of the disposed stopper to Thermos.
  • For recalled bottles, consumers should return their bottle to Thermos using a prepaid shipping label.
Thermos recalled food jar lids without pressure-release valve and with safety value
This illustration from Thermos shows a lid without the pressure-release valve and the updated design that includes the safety release valve.

Recalls Highlight Potential Product Risks

Last July, Walmart recalled a stainless steel insulated water bottle due to reports that its lid could eject forcefully when opened after storing after food, carbonated beverages or perishable beverages. This latest recall is another reminder for drinkware suppliers in the industry to keep an eye on potential lid ejection hazards.

It’s also an important reminder that even with known and reputable brands, the possibility of a recall remains. Managing product recalls is a perennial topic during PPAI’s Responsibility Summit. Best practices include:

  • Comply with CPSC instructions.
  • Be intentional with recall messaging.
  • Prepare a policy and script now to be ready in case of a recall.
  • Document your supply chain and prepare a plan for how returned products will be handled.
  • Consider staging mock recalls to prepare and test your response plans.


Register now for PPAI’s Responsibility Summit 2026, September 14-16 in Denver.