Stanley has recalled about 2.6 million travel mugs because they pose a serious burn injury hazard. According to a report in The Daily Mail, this massive recall involves the popular drink and food container brand’s Switchback and Trigger Action travel mugs. So far, the company has received 91 complaints about these products worldwide, 16 of which came from the United States. Consumers said the recalled travel mugs’ lids detached during use. This has resulted in 38 burn injuries worldwide, including two in the U.S. Eleven people said they had to seek medical attention.
Details of the Recall
The mugs in question were sold by various retailers including Amazon.com, Wal-Mart and Target nationally between June 2016 and December 2024 for between $20 and $50, depending on the model. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) warns that both mug models have faulty threads which can shrink when they are exposed to heat and pressure. This apparently causes the lids to come off unexpectedly while in use.
CPSC has asked consumers to stop using these mugs right away and contact Stanley to receive a free replacement lid and free shipping. The double-walled mugs included in the recall were sold in a number of colors including black, white and green. They came in 12oz, 16oz and 20oz sizes with a polypropylene lid. The recalled mugs were made in China.
Stanley Tumblers and Lead
This is not the first time Stanley’s products have gotten in trouble. Earlier this year, the company acknowledged that its tumblers contain some lead, triggering multiple class-action lawsuits in California and Nevada. Four complainants in California said the company falsely advertised its tumblers as “BPA-free” but failed to warn the public that lead is a “key ingredient” in its vacuum seal. Stanley said that its manufacturing process currently employs the use of an industry-standard pellet to seal the vacuum insulation at the base and that the sealing material contains some lead.
Lead is a metal that is known to be toxic to both humans and animals. Stanley’s products have become a viral sensation on social media, and they are particularly popular among school-age youth. Since Stanley cups have gone viral on TikTok, they have become a status symbol for school kids. Young children are particularly vulnerable to lead exposure because lead poisoning can impair their physical and mental development. Health professionals say even low levels of lead can be linked to adverse effects on health, behavior, and intelligence levels.
Product Defects and Burn Injuries
Burn injuries caused by defective mugs, cups or flasks can be serious and often result from manufacturing flaws, design defects or the manufacturer’s failure to warn consumers about these defects and dangers. These everyday items are meant to contain hot beverages safely, but when defects occur, users can suffer significant harm. Common scenarios include mugs or cups shattering unexpectedly, flasks leaking or lids failing to secure properly, leading to spills of scalding liquids.
Defective drinkware could potentially have three main types of defects:
- Manufacturing defects: These are problems introduced during the production process. For example, a hairline crack in a ceramic mug might not be visible at purchase but can cause the mug to break when filled with hot liquids.
- Design defects: Poorly designed lids or spouts that allow leaks or unexpected spills are common culprits. Some flasks, for instance, may not properly insulate, causing the exterior to become dangerously hot.
- Failure to warn: If manufacturers fail to include proper usage instructions or warnings such as when a product is not safe for use in the microwave, consumers may inadvertently misuse the product, resulting in injuries.
Burns caused by defective mugs or tumblers can range from minor first-degree burns to severe third-degree burns requiring medical intervention. Burns to the hands, lap, or face are particularly common as these areas are most often exposed during spills. Scarring, nerve damage, and long-term pain are potential consequences of severe burns.
Burn injuries can result in significant expenses depending on the nature and extent of the damage. In cases where there are severe burns, the injured victim may need to get skin graft procedures, which are costly and can be excruciatingly painful.
What Are Injured Consumers’ Rights?
Consumers injured by defective drinkware may have legal recourse under product liability laws, which hold manufacturers accountable for defective products. Victims may seek compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering as well as lost wages.
If defective products injure you, it is important to take immediate steps to ensure your safety, address your injury, and preserve your legal rights. Here are several steps you can take:
Seek medical attention right away. If you’ve suffered burns or other injuries, clean the affected area gently and apply first aid. For serious burns such as those with blistering or skin damage, seek emergency medical care.
Document your injuries. Take photographs of the injuries as soon as possible. Keep records of any medical visits, treatments, and expenses related to the injury.
Preserve the evidence. Do not throw away the defective mug, cup, or tumbler. Retaining the item in its current condition is crucial, as it may serve as evidence in a legal claim. Photograph the drinkware from multiple angles, showing any visible defects, such as cracks, leaks or broken parts. If the injury resulted from a spill, photograph the scene. Retain the original packaging, instruction manuals and proof of purchase because these can provide valuable information about the product and its manufacturer.
Report the incident. Notify the company that sold or made the defective product about your injury. Be cautious about providing too much detail before consulting legal counsel. Report the defect to consumer protection agencies, such as the CPSC.
Lastly, contact a personal injury or product liability attorney to assess your case. They can help you determine if you are eligible for compensation. You may be able to file a product liability lawsuit or join a class action lawsuit to seek compensation for your losses and to hold the manufacturer accountable.
Source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-14186573/stanley-cups-recall-burn-hazard-urgent-warning.html
