Stanley Issues Recall of 2.6 Million Mugs Due to Burn Risk Following Multiple Injuries
Stanley Issues Recall of 2.6 Million Mugs Due to Burn Risk Following Multiple Injuries
I recently shared my disdain towards the Stanley cup craze and now there's an additional reason to criticize the expensive mug company – some of their products are causing scalding hot drinks to spill on customers, often necessitating medical attention.
On Thursday, respected brand Stanley announced a voluntary recall for approximately 2.6 million mugs. They urged users to "immediately stop" using the affected items. The problematic products aren't the widely popular Quencher tumblers but rather two of their stainless steel travel mugs – the Stanley Switchback and Trigger Action. These mugs have a defective lid that tends to loosen, causing hot beverages (like coffee or cocoa) to spill onto the user.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reported that the mugs' lid threads might shrink when exposed to heat and twisting, causing the lid to unfasten during use, posing a burn risk. The agency recommends customers to cease using these mugs immediately and contact Stanley. They will provide a free replacement lid and cover shipping expenses, according to the CPSC.
In a statement published on their Facebook page, Stanley stated: "We request that all customers with these products immediately cease use and contact Stanley 1913 for a free replacement lid. At Stanley 1913, we prioritize continuous improvement and are focused on creating top-quality products designed to last a lifetime."
Indeed, there have been reports of injuries due to the flawed lids. The consumer safety agency records:
"Stanley has disclosed 91 reports worldwide, including 16 in the U.S., of the recalled travel mugs' lids coming off during usage, resulting in 38 burn injuries worldwide, including two burn injuries in the U.S., with 11 consumers worldwide requiring medical treatment."
Wow, that's not the most extreme incident I've come across, but it does seem like more medical visits than expected.
Gizmodo reached out to Stanley for further information.
In recent times, Stanley has gained viral fame, with their Quencher line (targeted primarily towards women) becoming the subject of TikTok videos globally. The popularity of this brand may have peaked this year, following a woman's claim that her Quencher miraculously survived a car fire.
For detailed information about the recalled products, you can visit the CPSC's website here.
Despite its recent popularity, the issue with Stanley's faulty travel mugs, specifically the Stanley Switchback and Trigger Action, highlights potential concerns in the tech-driven world of future technology. The tech flaw in the lid's threads, leading to burn hazards, underscores the need for rigorous quality checks and continuous improvements in tech products.