In a stunning and urgent recall, Walmart has announced the withdrawal of nearly 850,000 stainless steel thermos bottles after multiple consumers reported severe health problems — including partial vision loss and painful reactions linked to chemical contamination inside the bottles.
The recall was triggered after several customers began complaining of a strange metallic odor and a burning sensation after drinking from the bottles. Some even described sudden dizziness and blurred vision shortly after consuming beverages stored in them. “At first, I thought it was just my coffee,” one customer said. “But when my vision started going dark, I knew something was wrong.”
According to early reports, the problem stems from a manufacturing defect in the inner coating of certain models sold both online and in stores. Investigators believe a chemical residue used during production may have leached into hot liquids, creating a toxic reaction when consumed.
Health officials say that while most people experienced mild symptoms such as nausea, metallic taste, or temporary discomfort, a handful of cases were far more serious. “We’ve seen individuals with significant eye irritation and partial vision loss,” said one consumer safety specialist. “Even small amounts of these contaminants can have dangerous effects.”
The affected bottles, sold under a popular outdoor and camping brand, were available in several colors and sizes — mainly 20oz and 32oz stainless steel vacuum thermoses sold between 2022 and 2024.
Walmart has since urged customers to immediately stop using the bottles, especially for hot beverages, and to check the product code on the bottom. The retailer is offering full refunds for anyone who purchased the recalled models, along with instructions on how to safely dispose of the product.
This isn’t the first time a consumer product has triggered such concern. In recent years, recalls involving stainless steel drinkware have raised alarms about poor quality control in some overseas manufacturing plants. Experts warn that low-cost coatings or improper sterilization methods can result in residual toxins that react with heat or acidic drinks.
Social media has erupted with concerned shoppers sharing their experiences. One TikTok user’s video describing how her eyes started burning after drinking tea from the bottle has already reached over 2 million views. Others say they had no idea their daily thermos could pose such a risk.
Consumer advocates are now calling for stricter federal testing standards for imported drinkware, especially products designed for children or outdoor use. “Something as simple as a water bottle shouldn’t send people to the hospital,” said one watchdog spokesperson.
Walmart has assured the public that it is cooperating with federal safety agencies to track down all affected units and prevent future incidents.
If you or someone you know owns one of these thermos bottles, stop using it immediately and visit Walmart’s official recall page to check if your item is part of the recall.
Safety should always come first — even when it’s something as simple as your morning coffee. ☕🚨
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