Nestlé Recalls 440,000 Starbucks Mugs For Overheating — Here's What To Know
Nestlé is recalling roughly 440,500 Metallic Mugs included in the 2023 Starbucks Holiday Gift Sets due to safety concerns (via press release). When the mugs overheat they can burn you, or break and cause cuts. The voluntary recall was initiated on March 21, 2024, after consumers reported the issue to Nestlé USA. So far, 12 incidents have been reported, resulting in 10 injuries.
The affected mugs were sold in two sizes — 11 and 16 ounces — and made of ceramic with a metallic coating. They were sold both online and in-store at Target, Walmart, and Nexcom in gift sets from November 2023 to January 2024. Some of those sets were sold with packages of Starbucks hot cocoa mix, which was found to contain illegal amounts of lead in November 2023.
Although the bottom of the mugs displays a warning not to microwave, the recall suggests that some issues resulted from simply filling it up with a hot beverage — yet another reason why you should never order Starbucks lattes extra hot. Anyone in possession of an affected mug is urged to dispose of it and contact Nestlé USA for a refund. If you're worried about losing your go-to coffee run mug, don't fret, there are plenty of other ones that are eligible for Starbucks' bring your own cup policy.
How to obtain a refund
Customers can return the mugs to the stores they were purchased at for their money back or an in-store gift card. A refund can also be requested from Nestlé USA via phone by calling (800) 681-1676, or through online messaging. But there are a few things that the company will need in order to get the refund process started.
Customers should provide the mug ID code from the bottom of the product, which starts with the letter "M." The company is also requesting photos of the mug, and written confirmation that the mug has been disposed of. A shipping address will also need to be provided, and refunds will be processed via mail.
This isn't the first time Starbucks has acted on concerns involving overheating its branded products. In 2007, the coffee giant recalled its 14-ounce Fusion Coffee mugs, which were made from plastic and stainless steel. When filled with hot liquid, the plastic handles detached, which resulted in 23 incident reports and nine instances of minor burns.