More than 440,000 metallic Starbucks-branded holiday mugs have been recalled by Nestlé USA due to burn and laceration hazards, officials have announced.
The recall involves metallic-coated mugs that were included in four of the company’s 2023 holiday gift sets, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) said in a March 21 recall notice.
The four gift sets contained a ceramic mug with a metallic coating that bears Starbucks branding, and the mugs were sold in 11 ounce and 16 ounce sizes, according to the notice.
Nestlé USA Inc., which is based in Arlington, Virginia, and distributes the mugs, said the 2023 holiday gift sets included in the recall are the Starbucks Holiday Gift Set with 2 Mugs, Starbucks Classic Hot Cocoa and Mug, Starbucks Peppermint and Classic Hot Cocoas and Mug, and Starbucks Holiday Blend Coffee and Mug.
“If microwaved or filled with extremely hot liquid, the mugs can overheat or break, posing burn and laceration hazards,” CPSC said.
The company said it discovered the issues with the mugs after consumers contacted the company, which took “immediate corrective action.”
While the recalled mugs weren’t sold in Starbucks stores, they were available for purchase online and in-store at Target and Walmart stores and Nexcom military retail outlets nationwide from November 2023 through January 2024.
The different gift sets retailed at $10, $13, or $20 each, CPSC said.
Severe Burns, Blisters Reported
So far, there have been 12 incidents of the items overheating or breaking, which has resulted in 10 injuries, including nine severe burns or blisters on fingers or hands, and one cut on a finger, CPSC said.In one such incident, the individual required medical attention, the agency noted.
Consumers are being advised to immediately stop using the recalled mugs, and either return them from their place of purchase or contact Nestlé USA to receive a full refund.
Customers who return the recalled item in-store are eligible to receive either a cash refund or a gift card refund, according to the CPSC notice.
Additionally, consumers can upload a photo of the mug online at Nestlé USA’s official website to receive a full refund. Proof of purchase, such as a receipt, is not required for consumers who opt to use the company’s website, officials said.
In a separate statement, Nestlé USA stressed the recall does not affect any other Nestlé USA or Starbucks-branded products, adding that it is working closely with CPSC regarding the latest recall.
“The quality, safety, and integrity of Nestlé USA products remain our number one priority,” Nestlé USA said in a press release. “We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this action represents to both our consumers and retail customers.”
Nestlé bought the rights to distribute several Starbucks brands globally—including Starbucks capsules for the Nespresso and Nescafé Dolce Gusto systems, instant Starbucks coffees, and other products—under a 2018 agreement called the Global Coffee Alliance.
In 2022, Starbucks generated $1.6 billion in incremental sales for Nestlé, according to a September 2023 press release.
