Tejal Somvanshi
Kmart and Target have issued an urgent recall for the popular Anko Glass Flip Pickle Jar following multiple reports of the product exploding and causing injuries. The jar, which went viral on TikTok for its innovative design that separates food from brine, poses serious safety risks when used to store fermented foods.
The affected products were sold between February 15, 2023, and March 3, 2025. Customers are advised to “immediately stop using the product” and return it to the nearest store for a full refund, with or without a receipt.
Why the Recall?
According to the recall notice, the glass jar can break when storing certain fruits or vegetables in liquid. The main danger comes from fermented foods, which naturally produce gas during the fermentation process. This gas buildup can cause the jar to explode or make the lid extremely difficult to remove.
Product Safety Australia confirmed that injuries have already occurred from these incidents. The primary risk is serious lacerations from shattered glass if the jar explodes or if the lid breaks while being removed.
Real Customer Incidents
Several customers have already experienced dangerous situations with the product. One woman reported a close call last year when her jar exploded: “Glass went flying everywhere,” she wrote, noting that she narrowly avoided eye injuries. “I heard a loud bang and glass flying everywhere, I thought my kitchen light had exploded.”
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In January, another customer named Sally Asplin shared photos on Facebook after her jar containing beetroot shattered inside her refrigerator. The images showed significant glass debris scattered throughout her fridge.
Mixed Customer Reactions
Despite the safety warnings, customer reactions have been mixed. Some users commented on Kmart’s Facebook announcement that they have no intention of returning the product.
“Definitely not returning, I’ll use common sense. We use ours for pineapple,” wrote one customer. Others reported problems: “I had already thrown mine out because yes, it kept being really hard to open!”
What Makes These Jars Dangerous?
The fundamental issue lies in how fermented foods interact with closed containers. Fermentation naturally produces carbon dioxide gas, and in a sealed jar with no pressure release mechanism, this gas has nowhere to go. The pressure builds up over time until the container fails – often violently.
This design flaw becomes particularly dangerous with glass containers, as they can shatter into sharp fragments capable of causing serious injuries.
Consumer Action Required
Kmart has instructed customers to:
- Stop using the product immediately
- Return the jar to any Kmart or Target store for a full refund
- Contact Kmart (1800 124 125) or Target (1300 753 567) if unable to return the product
The recall applies to all Anko Glass Flip Pickle Jars sold during the specified timeframe, regardless of whether customers have experienced problems with their particular jar.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is being recalled and why? +
The Anko Glass Flip Pickle Jar sold at Kmart and Target between February 15, 2023, and March 3, 2025, is being recalled. The jars can explode when storing fermented foods due to gas buildup, posing serious injury risks from shattered glass.
How do I know if my jar is affected by the recall? +
All Anko Glass Flip Pickle Jars purchased between February 15, 2023, and March 3, 2025, are included in the recall. The product has a distinctive design that separates food from brine and was popularized on TikTok.
What should I do if I own one of these jars? +
You should immediately stop using the jar and return it to any Kmart or Target store for a full refund. No receipt is required for the refund. If you can’t return the product, contact Kmart at 1800 124 125 or Target at 1300 753 567.
Have these jars actually caused injuries? +
Yes, according to the recall notice, injuries have occurred from jars exploding. Multiple customers have reported incidents, including near misses with glass flying “everywhere” and jars shattering inside refrigerators.
Why do these jars explode? +
The jars explode because fermented foods naturally produce carbon dioxide gas. In a sealed container with no pressure release mechanism, this gas builds up over time until the pressure becomes too great, causing the glass to shatter.
Can I still use the jar for non-fermented foods? +
The recall notice advises customers to “immediately stop using the product” entirely, not just for fermented foods. For safety reasons, you should return the jar for a refund rather than continuing to use it for any purpose.
