Stanley, the popular drinkware brand that gained significant attention on social media, has issued a recall for approximately 2.6 million travel mugs due to potential “burn hazards,” as announced by the Consumer Product Safety Commission on Thursday.
The recall affects all Stanley Switchback and Trigger Action stainless steel travel mugs sold in the United States. These mugs have polypropylene lids that can loosen when exposed to heat and pressure, posing a burn risk. The tumblers, available in sizes ranging from 12 to 20 ounces, come in various colors such as white, black, and green.
Stanley has received over 90 reports globally regarding issues with the lids detaching from the travel mugs, with 38 of those complaints related to burn injuries. Of these, 11 injuries required medical attention, and 16 complaints, including two injury reports, were from the US.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission advises consumers to stop using the recalled travel mugs immediately and contact Stanley to receive a free replacement lid, including shipping.
The mugs, priced between $20 and $50 depending on the model, were sold at major retailers such as Amazon, Target, Walmart, and Dick’s Sporting Goods. These companies, along with Stanley, have been contacted for comments regarding the nationwide recall.
Although Stanley has been around for over a century, the brand underwent a revamp in 2020 with a focus on attracting women as a new consumer base. Following this shift, the company introduced a wide variety of drinkware in numerous colors and designs, leveraging trusted influencers on social media to promote the products.
According to Charles Lindsey, an associate professor of marketing at the University of Buffalo School of Management, this influencer network generates buzz around products. When people see individuals they trust trying something new, the product becomes a symbol of social status and being “in the know.”
