Kmart shoppers' 'concerning' response to product recall of $10 'exploding' item

Kmart shoppers went wild over the retailer's viral $10 Glass Flip Pickle Jar when it was first released in 2023. The product quickly became a major fan favourite thanks to its ability to separate the juices from food items like pickles or olives, with plenty of customers sharing their love for the handy item on social media.

However, the item, which was sold between February 15, 2023, to March 3, 2025, is now being recalled due to reports it "explodes" when used with fermented foods. Some customers have reported that they have been injured by the jar, with one woman saying that she "nearly lost an eye" from it exploding. One customer even claimed that she purchased two of the jars and both of them exploded saying she could not believe it had taken so long for the product to be recalled and urging the retailer to "do better."

According to the recall notice, the issue can arise when fermented foods stored in the pickle flip jar release gasses that can build up and cause the product to shatter.

Speaking to Yahoo Lifestyle about the recall, Edward McCartney from Food Safety Plus says that for this reason, it's "essential to understand that fermentation produces carbon dioxide (CO₂), which can build up pressure in sealed containers". He adds that his pressure can "cause glass jars to explode, posing a safety risk" which is why it's crucial to "avoid using jars with tightly sealed, non-venting lids" - like the ones seen on the recalled item.

Anyone who has purchased one of the jars has been urged to return it - even if they are no longer in possession of the receipt,

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Kmart shoppers' 'concerning' response to recall of Pickle Jar

Despite these instructions, many shoppers have shared that they have no intention of returning their jars in a move that other customers have called "concerning."

"Definitely not returning, I’ll use common sense," one wrote. "We use ours for pineapple. I haven’t noticed anything after a week or so, the gas from the citrus starting its fermentation builds up. Coles is also selling a smaller one if anyone is interested – although I suspect it would still occur as it would with any container."

"I’m not throwing mine away it’s been working perfectly for me," another stubborn customer wrote.

Many others said theirs were "fine" and that they had no plans to return the jars.

"All the people in the comments of the post saying they’re just gonna keep using theirs is so concerning," one person wrote in response to this.

Yahoo Lifestyle understands Kmart is looking to create a new and improved version of this product in future, but for now, they encouraging shoppers to return the much-loved product, even if they have not had a negative experience.

How to safely store fermented foods

Edward offered some tips on how to safely ferment foods at home, telling us that it's important to use jars that are "specifically designed for fermentation" that have "airlock lids, or self-burping mechanisms" – like these ones from Bunnings.

If you don't have one of these jars, you should at least be regularly opening the jar you have to release the built-up gas and pressure. Edwards adds that this is especially important during the "early stages of fermentation when CO₂ production is highest".

Edward also shares that you should "leave enough space at the top of the jar (at least 2–3 cm) to accommodate gas production and reduce pressure buildup".

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It's also important to note that fermentation is faster at warmer temperatures, which leads to more gas production, so storing your jars in a cool, dark place helps to regulate the rate of fermentation.

"Check jars regularly for excessive bubbling. If noticed, release the gas immediately," he says.

Edward adds, "By taking these and or other precautions, fermented food enthusiasts can enjoy their homemade products whilst minimising the risk of glass jar explosions."

Yahoo Lifestyle has contacted Kmart for comment.

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