"Lid Causes Blindness"... Walmart Stayed Silent for 7 Years Despite Knowing Defect in Recalled Thermos

Incident in 2018 Ended in Settlement
Walmart Continued Sales for Seven Years Despite Knowing the Risks

Walmart in the United States has initiated a recall (exchange, compensation, or repair due to defects) of thermos bottles it sold, after it was found that the lids could cause facial injuries. Reports have emerged that Walmart was aware of the defect in these thermos bottles for seven years but kept silent.

OZARK TRAIL Thermos Sold at Walmart in the US Under Massive Recall. US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Website

On August 9 (local time), the Washington Post (WP) reported that Walmart had known about the dangers of the plastic lid on the 64-ounce stainless steel 'Ozark Trail' thermos bottles, sold nationwide since 2017, as early as 2018. Walmart and the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced last month a voluntary recall of 850,000 units of this product.

The product was sold at all Walmart stores and online for about $15 (approximately 20,000 KRW), with the model number '83-662.' The thermos body is made of silver stainless steel and is equipped with a black screw-on plastic lid. The side of the bottle is engraved with the 'Ozark Trail' logo.

The CPSC stated, "This product poses a serious impact hazard," explaining, "If perishable beverages such as food, carbonated drinks, juice, or milk are stored for an extended period and the bottle is then opened, pressure may cause the lid to be forcefully ejected." The agency added, "There have been three reported cases of facial injuries caused by opening the thermos lid, two of which resulted in eye injuries leading to vision loss."

Incident in 2018 Concluded with Settlement

The WP pointed out that Walmart had been aware of the product's dangers since 2018 but did not mention this in last month's recall notice. Walmart settled with a customer who suffered an eye injury, and at that time, did not proceed with a recall. The product continued to be sold for seven more years until similar incidents recurred, prompting an official recall.

In a statement, Walmart said, "The health and safety of our customers is always our top priority," and urged, "Please immediately stop using the recalled Ozark Trail thermos bottles and return them to your nearest Walmart store for a full refund." However, the company added, "The product is safe when used as intended for holding water."