Dangerous defect: Thermos recalls 8.2 million products

Thermos announced a recall 8.2 million food thermoses and bottles after reports of serious injuries. In several cases, users suffered eye damage, including permanent vision loss.

At first glance, it is difficult to imagine that an ordinary food thermos can become a source of such danger. But, as follows from the official message of the company and data US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the problem is related to the design of the plug: a number of models do not have a central pressure relief valve.

If perishable food or drinks are stored in a container for a long time, pressure may build up inside. When trying to open the container, the cap can suddenly fly out and hit the user in the face or eyes. According to Thermosthe company received 27 messages about such incidents. In three cases we are talking about permanent vision loss.

Which models are affected by the recall?

The recall concerns certain models of the line Thermos Stainless King And Thermos Sportsman. The list includes:

• Thermos Stainless King Food Jar 16 ozmodel SK3000;
• Thermos Stainless King Food Jar 24 ozmodel SK3020;
• Thermos Sportsman Food & Beverage Bottle 40 ozmodel SK3010.

According to CPSCmodels SK3000 And SK3020 affected if they were produced before July 2023and the review by model SK3010 applies to all such products. The model number is located on the bottom of the container.

These products were sold in the USA from March 2008 By July 2024 in large networks, including Target And Walmartas well as online through Amazon, Walmart.com, Target.com and website Thermos.

What is the design flaw?

The key problem is lack of a pressure release mechanism in the plug. In a normal situation this may not occur. But if food or drinks are kept inside the container for a long time and begin to spoil or release gas, the pressure increases. When opened, the plug may fly out with great force.

That is why we are not just talking about a household inconvenience or leakage. Impact from a plug may cause collision injuries, deep cuts and eye damage. In the worst cases, as consumer complaints have shown, the consequences can be irreversible.

At the same time, the story with the review Thermos raises a broader question. Not all household thermoses and food containers have a separate pressure relief valve. In many models, the lid simply closes the container tightly, and the ability to safely relieve pressure in advance is not provided. Sometimes this role is partially fulfilled by the pouring mechanism, if there is one, but ordinary food thermoses often do not have such protection.

That is why the problem is not limited to just one company or several models. If hot food, drink, or perishable food is placed in an airtight container for a long period of time, pressure may build up inside. In most cases, it will end with an unpleasant bang, a leak, or a stained kitchen. But in an unfortunate scenario, the lid can actually fly out with force and hit you in the face. Nature, physics and bad design sometimes combine against a person with such effectiveness that all you can do is blink your eyes – preferably with your eyes intact.

Therefore, consumers should be careful not only about recalled models Thermosbut also to any sealed thermoses without a pressure relief valve. Do not leave perishable food inside for a long time, open the container suddenly or point the lid towards your face. Before opening, it is better to keep the container at a distance and release the pressure gradually, if the design allows it.

What should owners do?

Thermos recommends that you immediately stop using the recalled models and contact the company for a free replacement of the pressure relief valve plug or a replacement product, depending on the model.

For models SK3000 And SK3020 consumers are asked to recycle the old stopper once the application is approved and provide a photograph. For model SK3010 Products can be returned using a prepaid shipping label.

While the official procedure for compensation and replacement is described for buyers in USA. If such models were purchased outside the United States through international sites or brought privately, owners should check the model number and contact customer support Thermos.

Editorial comment

This story is unpleasant precisely because of its everyday unexpectedness. People are accustomed to expecting risks from cars, electrical appliances or medicines, but not from a thermos for food. However, a modern consumer product is not just metal, plastic and a beautiful brand. This is also an engineering responsibility.

This is the unfortunate lesson of the whole story: the consumer usually looks at the brand, size, price and heat retention, but almost never at the presence of a pressure relief valve. And I should. Because a sealed container without such a mechanism, under certain conditions, can turn not into a convenient thing for food or drinks, but into a small household bomb that can deprive you of your vision.

Sources: Thermos, NBC New York, Fox Business

Source link