Today I am posting images of the various ice cream scoops I have tested with an XRF instrument that have tested positive for lead.
If you have questions about XRF testing, please click here.
In the many years that I have been testing consumer goods I have consistently found at least trace lead in most old and many newer ice cream scoops! [Trace lead means that it is not an additive to the product, but a super low-level contaminant to the metal or other components (coating, plastic, etc.) of the scoop.] Some also had significant and alarming amounts of lead. As a result I am going to share here with you some lead-free choices that are the same or similar to what I use in my own home.
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As a general set of rules stay away from:
- Vintage ice cream scoops
- Scoops with any kind of coating (especially non-stick coatings)
- Scoops with chemical fillings to assist with the scooping function
- Scoops with rubberized or plastic handles
Here are some good alternative (#LeadSafe, #LeadFree) choices (using real facts! not alternative facts! 😉 [As with any shopping you do on Amazon please confirm you are comfortable with any particular vendor, I am making recommendations for a specific type of product – but cannot personally vouch for any of the specific vendors! Thanks!]
- Stainless steel 4 tablespoon single scoop
- This is a good solid 3-scoop stainless set (from a 5 star vendor), that also states it has “no harmful chemicals”!
- Here’s another stainless scoop for just $5.99 (with no moving parts!)
As always, please let me know if you have any questions! And happy hunting for the perfect lead-safe/ lead-free ice cream scoop!
Tamara Rubin
Unexpected Lead Expert
Mother of Four Boys
I just want a safe stainless steel spatula. Have you tested any yet? What do you use to flip pancakes ? They are so hard to make in a cast iron skillet with a wooden spatula. We got rid of our waffle maker so now the kiddos want pancakes
Here’s a good all stainless one… it’s an Amazon affiliate link (so if you purchase it after clicking on the link I get a percentage of what you spend) – I’m not suggesting you get this exact one, however it is a good choice in terms of what to look for (solid stainless construction, no non-stick surface, no rubberized or coated grip, etc.): http://amzn.to/2BOIVk7
Do you have a different recommendation for the 5.99 utopia kitchen scoop? It’s unavailable. I have to ask.. are Ice cream scoops moderately used even necessary? I’m all for health, but does it become a bit extreme when your constantly worried about every little thing you buy or come in contact with. J/s 🙂
Hi Kiki, I will look around and see if I can find you a good link to another product I would recommend. The concern with many of the ice cream scoops is they actually have lead in the food contact surface of the scoops (especially if they are made out of molded pot metal) and any lead exposure is too much lead exposure (even the CDC, FDA and EPA agree with that statement!)
Tamara
Do you have an updated stainless steel scoop with no moving parts? The original one is no longer being sold
With arthritis, the handle shape of the recommended scoop would be uncomfortable for me. You said no rubberized handles. Have you tested OXO grips?
Hi Jody,
Many of the OXO products with black rubberized handles have low levels of Lead (considered safe by all standards). I do not recommend the brand as I shoot for Lead-free whenever possible. Lead actually has been well studied and linked to arthritis – so that would be a consideration as well. Here is the OXO category on my blog: https://tamararubin.com/category/oxo/
Tamara
The $5.99 scoop is unavailable. This is so similar, do you think it is ok?
Thanks
Hi, do aluminium ice cream scoops contain lead in them? Thank you
Do you have a popsicle mold recommendation? I bought ecozoi, but what I recieved doesn’t seem like stainless steel! It is quite heavy, and has soder on the sides. My stainless mugs are much lighter, I am afraid to use them!