Walmart, the renowned American supermarket chain, has initiated a massive recall of a type of stainless steel thermos following multiple reports of hazardous incidents associated with its use.
The measure comes in response to an official warning from the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), which has indicated that the product poses a severe health risk to consumers.
What products are being recalled and why?
The affected items are the "64-ounce stainless steel water thermoses by Ozark Trail", sold in physical stores of the chain and on their website since 2017.
They are identified by the model number 83-662, which appears only on the product packaging and not on the bottle itself.
These thermoses have a silver stainless steel base, a black one-piece screw-on lid, and the Ozark Trail logo etched on the side.
The design, which appears to be sturdy and secure, has proven to have a critical flaw: the lid can “pop off forcefully” when attempting to open the thermos, especially if it has contained perishable or carbonated beverages.
According to the CPSC's official notice, the thermoses pose "serious risks of impact and laceration", particularly when a consumer attempts to open them after having stored food, carbonated beverages, or perishable items like juice or milk for some time.
The accumulated gas creates internal pressure that can cause the lid to come off violently.
Consequences: Injuries and permanent loss of vision
Up to the date of the recall announcement, Walmart has received at least three reports of consumers injured as a result of this manufacturing defect.
Of them, two individuals suffered permanent loss of vision after being struck directly in the eyes by the cap ejected from the thermos.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission noted that these injuries pose an unacceptable level of risk and has advised consumers to stop using the 64 oz. Ozark Trail bottles immediately.
"The health and safety of our customers are always a priority," Walmart stated in response to the safety alert.
The company also reported that it has fully cooperated with the CPSC and the product manufacturer to carry out the market withdrawal and to properly notify the affected consumers.
Walmart urges all customers who have one of these bottles to stop using it immediately and proceed to request a full compensation or refund, which can be obtained:
-Taking the product to a Walmart store.
-Calling 800-925-6278.
The notice published by the CPSC highlights the need to seriously address reports of failures in mass consumer products.
The case of Ozark Trail thermoses illustrates how an seemingly harmless object can turn into a real danger if its design and quality control are not properly managed.
Frequently Asked Questions about Walmart's Recall of Ozark Trail Thermoses
Why did Walmart recall the Ozark Trail tumblers?
Walmart recalled Ozark Trail thermoses due to a manufacturing defect that may cause the lid to eject violently, presenting serious risks of impact and laceration. This risk increases if the thermos contains perishable or carbonated beverages, generating internal pressure that can lead to severe accidents.
What are the characteristics of the thermos affected by the recall?
The affected tumblers are the "64-ounce Ozark Trail stainless steel water tumblers." These tumblers feature a silver stainless steel base, a black one-piece screw lid, and the Ozark Trail logo engraved on the side. They have been sold since 2017 and are identified by model number 83-662 on the packaging.
How can consumers obtain a refund for the recalled thermoses?
To obtain a refund, consumers must bring the thermos to a Walmart store or call 800-925-6278. Walmart has urged customers to stop using the thermoses immediately and has assured its full cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
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