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About 8 million Thermos containers are being pulled from shelves after reports of serious injuries, including three people who permanently lost vision after being struck in the eye.

The recall affects about 5.8 million Stainless King Food Jars and 2.3 million Sportsman Food & Beverage Bottles, according to a notice issued Thursday by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. The problem, officials say, lies in the lid. If food or drinks are left inside the containers for too long, pressure can build up. When the bottle is opened, the stopper can suddenly and forcefully eject, turning an everyday item into a serious impact and laceration hazard, as regulators describe.

Thermos has received 27 reports of its containers’ stoppers suddenly ejecting when opened and striking users. These incidents caused injuries and cuts, some serious enough to require medical treatment. In the most severe cases, three people ”permanent vision loss after being struck in the eye,” the CPSC said.

The Independent has contacted Thermos for comment.

The recall specifically covers certain sizes and models of Thermos containers. The Stainless King Food Jars affected include the 16-ounce (model SK3000) and 24-ounce (model SK3020) versions, but only those manufactured before July 2023. It also includes all 40-ounce Sportsman Food & Beverage Bottles (model SK3010), regardless of when they were made. Consumers can identify whether their container is part of the recall by checking the model number printed on the bottom of the containers.

open image in gallery The recall covers 16-oz (SK3000) and 24-oz (SK3020) Food Jars made before July 2023, plus all 40-oz Sportsman Bottles (SK3010) ( CPSC )

open image in gallery Three people suffered permanent vision loss after being struck by ejecting Thermos lids, per the CSPC ( CSPC )

The recalled products were sold for years in-store and online at major retailers like Target and Walmart, as well as on Amazon and the Thermos website. They retailed for about $30 and were sold between March 2008 and July 2024.

Consumers are urged to stop using the recalled Thermos containers immediately and contact the company for a free fix. Depending on the product, Thermos will either provide a replacement pressure-relief stopper or a new bottle.

For the affected SK3000 and SK3020 Food Jars, customers must discard the stopper and send Thermos a photo showing it has been thrown away. For SK3010 Bottles, consumers must return the entire product using the company-provided prepaid shipping label.