California Innovations recalls expandable lunch boxes with freezer gel packs due to risk of poisoning from diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol leakage if ingested.
Gel that contains diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol can leak out of damaged freezer gel packs, posing a poisoning hazard if ingested by children or adults.
California Innovations is recalling expandable lunch boxes that include freezer gel packs because the gel can leak and cause poisoning if ingested by children or adults. This hazard affects products sold with specific model codes.
The gel packs contain diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol, which can leak from damaged packs. If ingested, these chemicals can cause poisoning, especially in children who may accidentally swallow the gel.
Parents and caregivers of children who use these lunch boxes are most at risk due to the potential for gel leakage and ingestion. Adults using the product also face poisoning risks if they ingest the leaking gel.
Check for the model code "1-61731-99-57" printed on the white labels sewn under the white fastener inside the lunch box. The product was sold in navy blue, red, black, and denim blue colors.
Immediately stop using the gel packs and dispose of them according to local waste disposal regulations.
Contact Costco to return the lunch box set for a full refund or receive a $5 cash refund for the gel pack only.
Consumers should immediately stop using the gel packs and dispose of them according to federal, state and/or local regulations. It is recommended that consumers contact their local waste disposal authority for instructions. Consumers may return the lunch box set to Costco for a full refund or may receive a $5 cash refund for the gel pack only by contacting California Innovations.
The model code is "1-61731-99-57" printed on the white labels sewn under the white fastener inside the lunch box.
Contact California Innovations to receive a $5 cash refund for the gel pack only.
The recalled lunch boxes were available in navy blue, red, black, and denim blue colors.
We’ve drafted a message you can send California Innovations to request your refund or repair — edit it as you like.
Subject: Recall 959 — California Innovations Expandable Insulated Lunch Box with Freezer Gel Pack Hello, I own a Expandable Insulated Lunch Box with Freezer Gel Pack that is covered by recall 959 from California Innovations. The official recall notice states: Consumers should immediately stop using the gel packs and dispose of them according to federal, state and/or local regulations. It is recommended that consumers contact their local waste disposal authority for instructions. Consumers may return the lunch box set to Costco for a full refund or may receive a $5 cash refund for the gel pack only by contacting California Innovations. I’m writing to arrange the remedy described in the recall (a refund, repair, or replacement as applicable). Could you please tell me the next steps to resolve this? Thank you.
Experiences, tips, and questions from readers. Every comment is reviewed before it appears.
No comments yet — be the first to share your experience.
The facts (hazard, remedy, dates, manufacturer) are pulled from the official CPSC recall record. The plain-language summary and step-by-step checklist are written by GovInfoNow to make the official notice easier to act on — they don’t replace it.