Kmart Australia has issued an urgent recall of its Anko-branded reusable coffee cups following a reported injury linked to a potentially dangerous design flaw. The issue involves the product’s lid, which may unexpectedly detach when the cup is filled with hot liquid, posing a burn hazard to users.
This recall affects cups sold both online and in-store across Australia during the period from December 18, 2024 to April 7, 2025.
According to 9News, the faulty cups were distributed widely through Kmart’s retail network, prompting swift recalls aimed at removing the product from circulation and ensuring customer safety.
Safety Flaw Linked to Pressure Buildup
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has warned that the affected Anko double-walled coffee cups pose a significant risk when used with hot liquids.
When the cup is filled with hot liquid, the lid may rapidly release and pop off as there is no pressure release valve – it said in a statement.
This defect can cause hot liquid or steam to eject from the cup, potentially leading to burn injuries. The ACCC confirmed : “An injury has occurred.”
The recalled coffee cups were available in four colors — sunset, sage, black, and rose gold — and were sold under the Anko brand through both Kmart and Target stores, as well as their online platforms.
The cups feature a double-walled design and include a plastic lid, which is the source of the safety concern. Kmart recalls apply specifically to units distributed during the four-month window between late 2024 and early 2025.
Instructions for Customers
Kmart has advised consumers to immediately stop using the product and return it to any Kmart store for a full refund, with or without a receipt. In a statement, the retailer added :
Please contact us if you are unable to return the product or have sold or gifted it to another person.
Customers unable to visit a store in person are encouraged to take alternative steps:
Contact the store of purchase if you are unable to return the product to the store – Kmart said
Additionally, customers who gave the cup to someone else are asked to inform the recipient.
Kmart recalls have been coordinated closely with the ACCC, which categorized the matter as a serious product safety issue. Both agencies have released public advisories. A spokesperson for Kmart stated:
We take the quality and safety of our products very seriously.
This recall is part of broader efforts to ensure that unsafe consumer products are quickly removed from circulation.
