Is it unsafe to make coffee at home?
Posted in Firm News, Injuries on May 2, 2019

Coffee and Seattle are two words that seem synonymous to many people in the Pacific Northwest. Many days, you probably get out of bed and make your coffee before going to meet your friend or business partner at Starbucks.
Hitting the 405 without caffeinating first is virtually unconscionable. But did you know that when using your French Press, your safety could be at risk?
Your French Press might have been recalled
On May 1, the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CSPC) recalled a coffee press Starbucks sold throughout the U.S. and Canada. The Seattle-based coffee chain sold roughly 230,000 of the Bodum presses in the States and more than 32,000 in Canada.
Starbucks sold the recycled co-branded presses in its store locations from November 2016 to this past January. And reporting a total of nine injuries so far, Starbucks recalled their presses on May 1 due to the potential of the press breaking during use.
If the knob on top of the press breaks, the metal rod connecting the knob to the plunger could puncture your hand. Although few people have reported injuries related to this product, this is not the first of the coffee giant’s safety recalls.
How many products have Starbucks recalled over the years?
It is not atypical for a company to issue a recall when they become aware of a potential safety concern. Throughout the years, you may have heard of Starbucks recalling such items as:
- Coffee grinders
- Ceramic teapots
- Glass water bottles
- Stainless steel straws
- Brewing equipment
As the largest coffeehouse chain in the world, Starbucks will inevitably face potential concerns from time to time. But that is neither to say the company is negligent nor apathetic about consumer needs.
Starbucks’ commitment to their employees (referred to as “partners”), attention to reducing company-wide environmental hazards and commitment to education continually lead to high ratings for reasons far beyond their main offering. However, should you suffer an injury due to one of the products sold by the chain, you may be able to seek recourse.
Jay M. Kelly III - Managing Partner
Meet Jay M. Kelley III, a top medical malpractice attorney in Ohio with over 25 years of experience and $200 million in verdicts and settlements. He is licensed in Washington and heads Elk + Elk’s litigation strategy in state and federal courts and has a unique background as a former felony prosecutor and hospital defense lawyer. Jay specializes in complex cases, including birth injuries and wrongful death, and is recognized by Best Lawyers and ranked among the Super Lawyers Top 10 in Ohio.