HALO (PPAI 106462, Platinum) has recalled a tumbler sold exclusively at regional store Wawa due to its metal straw, which has shown to have the potential to cause lacerations.

The product was only sold in nine states (Alabama, Washington D.C., Delaware, Florida, North Carolina, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Maryland) during the month of August. Consumers should not attempt to return the tumblers to Wawa stores. Instead, the Sterling, Illinois-based firm provides a form to fill out to participate in the recall.

Recall Details

The 24-ounce reusable tumbler came in four different styles, all of which included the potential hazardous metal straw. Each one came with a tan lid and had “Wawa” imprinted on the tumbler:

  • The Mermaid (pink/green)
  • Island Surf (blue/yellow)
  • The Galaxy (blue/pink)
  • Sailor Breeze (tan/orange)

HALO will provide consumers with a safe silicone straw to replace the metal straw. The company will also allow consumers to return the entire tumbler and receive a $15 gift card as a refund.

According to the CPSC, HALO received four reports of incidents that resulted in lacerations to the hand or mouth.

While initial diligence, safety and compliance are crucial, recalls are a possibility among companies both small and large, and handling them appropriately is an important part of the process.

In September, at PPAI’s Product Responsibility Summit, a panel was held discussing how to handle the possibility of being ordered to recall a product and the steps that need to be taken. In that situation, complying with the CPSC is absolutely critical, but the next priority is being intentional with messaging surrounding the recall.

“It’s important to move fast, but it’s also important to move smartly,” said Neal Cohen of Neal Cohen Law.

  • In this scenario, HALO responded swiftly to the reported incidents by coming up with a safe replacement to the metal straws and a refund option to appease any frustrated consumers.