October 3, 2026 — A recent incident report details a concerning safety hazard involving the Stanley 20-01368 tumbler, after a two-year-old child was found with a small, circular metal piece in their mouth that later proved to be from the bottom of the widely used cup. The report highlights not only a potential choking risk but also alleges that the dislodged piece and its adhesive contain lead.
Product Details
Incident Overview
On the afternoon of September 13, 2026, a parent reported a distressing incident involving their two-year-old child and a Stanley tumbler. While the parent was performing household chores, their child was discovered with an unidentified small, circular metal piece in their mouth. It was only later in the day, when the parent was doing dishes, that they realized a Stanley tumbler, regularly used by all family members, was missing a piece from its bottom.
The parent noted that they had always assumed Stanley tumblers were of a one-piece construction and would not pose a choking hazard. However, this incident revealed that a small, circular metal piece at the base of the tumbler can become dislodged with what was described as “regular use.” The report further claims that this dislodged piece not only presents a significant choking hazard but that the glue used to secure it, along with the piece itself, is contaminated with lead.
Safety Concerns
This incident report raises two critical safety concerns:
- Immediate Dangers (Choking Hazard): The primary and most immediate danger is the choking hazard posed by the small, circular metal piece. For young children, particularly those aged two and under, small objects can easily become lodged in their throat, obstructing airways and leading to severe injury, brain damage, or even death if not promptly removed. The fact that this piece can detach during regular use makes it an unpredictable and dangerous item in a household with young children.
- Long-Term Risks (Lead Contamination): The alleged presence of lead in both the adhesive and the metal piece itself presents a serious long-term health risk. Lead exposure, even at low levels, is especially dangerous for young children. It can lead to severe and irreversible developmental problems, affecting the brain and nervous system, causing learning disabilities, behavioral problems, decreased IQ, and other health issues. If a child ingests or mouths a lead-contaminated item, the lead can be absorbed into their bloodstream. Even adults can suffer from lead poisoning, though children are particularly vulnerable.
- Who Might Be Affected: Young children are most directly affected by both the choking hazard and lead exposure due to their tendency to put objects in their mouths and their increased vulnerability to lead’s toxic effects. However, any user of the tumbler could potentially be exposed to lead if the piece dislodges and is handled, especially if it breaks or sheds particles.
What Consumers Should Do
Given the serious nature of the reported hazards, consumers who own a Stanley 20-01368 tumbler should take immediate action:
- Immediate Steps: If you own a Stanley 20-01368 tumbler, particularly if it is used by or accessible to young children, immediately inspect the bottom of the cup. If the circular metal piece is loose, missing, or shows any signs of detachment, discontinue use immediately. Do not allow children to access or use these tumblers.
- How to Check: Carefully examine the bottom exterior of your Stanley 20-01368 tumbler for the presence and security of a small, circular metal piece. Gently try to wiggle it to check if it’s loose.
- Prevention Measures: Until further information or a recall is issued, consider using alternative, proven safe drinking vessels for young children. Always supervise children when they are using any drinking container with small, detachable parts.
- Reporting Procedures: If you have experienced a similar incident, or if the circular piece on your Stanley tumbler is loose or missing, report it to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) at www.cpsc.gov. Your report can help prevent further incidents and inform potential regulatory action.
Manufacturer’s Response
No manufacturer response has been provided in the incident report.
Legal Help Available
If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective product or suffered property damage due to a product malfunction, you may be entitled to compensation. The experienced product liability attorneys at Farzan Law understand the complexities of defective product cases and can help you navigate the legal process. Farzan Law is a California based Personal Injury law firm focusing on protecting the rights of those wrongfully injured.
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Note: This information is based on incident reports provided by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. If you find information that is incorrect, please contact us immediately so we can correct the post to reflect accurate information.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is not intended to be legal or medical advice. This article is based on publicly available incident reports. The incidents mentioned have not necessarily been independently verified or adjudicated.