Yeti recalled specific backpacks, soft coolers, and gear cases because their magnet-lined closures can detach, posing a serious ingestion and injury hazard, particularly to children. The recall, announced on March 9, 2023, by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), affected approximately 1.9 million units in the U.S. and an additional 40,800 in Canada.
The Core Issue: Detaching Magnets
The primary reason for the recall is a defect in the magnet-lined closures of certain Yeti products. These closures, designed for secure sealing, can unfortunately detach from the product's lining.
- Hazard of Ingestion: When magnets detach, they become small, separable parts. If swallowed, especially by children, these magnets can pose severe health risks. If two or more high-powered magnets are ingested, they can attract each other across intestinal walls, leading to:
- Perforations (holes)
- Blockages
- Infection
- Blood poisoning
- In extreme cases, even death.
- Reports of Incidents: Yeti reported receiving 1,370 incidents of the magnet-lined closure detaching. While no injuries had been reported at the time of the recall announcement, the potential for serious harm necessitated immediate action.
Which Yeti Products Were Recalled?
The recall specifically included the following models, which encompass backpack-style coolers and other soft gear items:
- Yeti Hopper M20 Soft Backpack Cooler: A popular backpack-style cooler.
- Yeti Hopper M30 Soft Cooler 1.0 and 2.0: Soft-sided coolers with a shoulder strap or carrying handles, often used for outdoor activities.
- Yeti SideKick Dry Gear Case: A waterproof pouch designed to attach to Yeti coolers, which also features magnet closures.
These products are identifiable by their Yeti branding and specific model names.
Recalled Products at a Glance
| Product Name | Description | Affected Units (Approx.) | Hazard |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hopper M20 Soft Backpack Cooler | Backpack-style soft cooler | Included in recall | Detaching magnets, ingestion injury risk |
| Hopper M30 Soft Cooler 1.0 & 2.0 | Soft-sided cooler with magnetic closure | Included in recall | Detaching magnets, ingestion injury risk |
| SideKick Dry Gear Case | Waterproof pouch with magnetic closure | Included in recall | Detaching magnets, ingestion injury risk |
What to Do If You Own a Recalled Product
If you own any of the recalled Yeti products, it is crucial to take immediate action to prevent potential harm.
- Stop Using Immediately: Discontinue use of the recalled cooler or gear case right away.
- Contact Yeti: Reach out to Yeti for instructions on how to return the product.
- You can visit the dedicated Yeti recall page for detailed information and submission forms: Yeti Recall Information
- Alternatively, contact Yeti directly through their customer service channels.
- Receive Remedy: Yeti is offering consumers a choice between a full refund or a replacement product (excluding the recalled models).
This proactive measure ensures consumer safety and highlights the commitment to addressing product defects swiftly. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) plays a vital role in monitoring product safety and issuing recalls to protect the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death.
