Kmart has issued an urgent recall of its Anko Glass Flip Pickle Jars due to serious safety concerns, including the potential for explosions that have already led to injuries. Customers who purchased these jars are being advised to stop using them immediately and return them to the nearest Kmart store for a refund.
According to Food Safety NZ, the recalled jars were sold nationwide between February 15, 2023, and March 3, 2025. The agency noted that the jars could break when used to store certain fruits or vegetables in liquid, especially if they are fermented. The fermentation process can lead to gas build-up, which poses the risk of causing the jar to explode or making the lid difficult to remove. "Fermented food stored in affected products can build up gas and cause the jar to explode or make the lid difficult to remove,” Food Safety NZ stated. There’s a serious risk of injury from lacerations if the jar explodes or if the lid breaks while being removed.
This alarming recall follows multiple customer accounts of nearly disastrous incidents involving the jars. One customer recounted her experience from last year, saying, "Glass went flying everywhere" after her jar exploded, barely missing her eye. In a social media post explaining her experience, she admitted that at first she thought a lighting fixture had burst. "I heard a loud bang and glass flying everywhere; I thought my kitchen light had exploded," she recalled. The close call left her feeling fortunate that she had bent her head toward the crisper just moments before the explosion.
Additional reports have emerged, including a harrowing incident reported in January 2025 by Sally Asplin. She posted a photo on Facebook showing the aftermath of an exploded jar, which had spilled beetroot throughout her refrigerator. The picture, shared with a community group dedicated to Kmart products, displayed a chaotic scene suggesting a mishap. Fellow group members echoed her concerns, with numerous comments confirming similar experiences. One stated, "I had already thrown mine out because yes, it kept being really hard to open!" while another mentioned, "I was wondering how long this was gonna take to happen, the first one I bought I broke it opening it." Such responses highlight a divided sentiment among users regarding the jars, as some insisted they would continue using the product despite the recall.
In response to these perilous incidents, Kmart has made a strong statement urging all customers to refrain from using the jars immediately. They clarified that even if customers do not have a receipt, they can return the jars to class. A Kmart spokesperson emphasized, "Customers should immediately stop using the product and return it to the nearest Kmart store for a refund with or without a receipt." These proactive measures aim to ensure consumer safety amidst growing concerns over the jars' reliability.
The safety implications surrounding these jars are underscored by the fear of serious injuries, specifically the risk of lacerations should an explosion occur. Kmart's swift action appears geared towards reducing this risk significantly. As the controversy surrounding the recalled jars continues, customers are advised to act quickly, placing community safety above all else.
Food Safety NZ enthusiastically supports Kmart's direction, asserting that proper handling of the situation includes encouraging everyone who owns these potentially hazardous jars to monitor their experience with the product closely. They're prompted to check if they have been faced with any adverse outcomes similar to those reported by other users.
This unexpected recall serves as a crucial reminder of the inherent risks associated with kitchen products that might seem harmless at first glance. As parents and culinary enthusiasts reach for tools that facilitate the preservation of food, the potential for hazardous circumstances can lurk behind seemingly innocent packaging.
As the recall continues to make headlines, Kmart's response will be pivotal in shaping consumer perceptions. Will Kmart manage to prevent further injuries and restore customer confidence in its products? One thing is certain: consumers will be paying closer attention to product recalls in the future, ensuring they are informed about potential risks involved in everyday items.
