Originally Posted: January 21, 2018
Updated: May 21, 2022
The paint on the metal lid of this older (c. late-1990s) Spice Islands spice jar tested positive for lead when tested with an XRF instrument at more than 8,000 ppm Lead. This jar was tested in 2012, so I did not record any more information than the approximate Lead reading [I am much more thorough now in my testing and reporting!]
#SimpleSolution: Opt for newer reusable clear glass jars with unpainted lids (or new, modern glass spice jars from reputable companies – the kind of jars you buy at the store today with spices in them.)
Here’s a good example of refillable replacement jars on Amazon!*
How much Lead is too much Lead?
The amount of lead that is considered toxic in a modern/newly manufactured item intended for children is 90 ppm Lead (or higher) in the coating or 100 ppm Lead (or higher) in the substrate. Kitchenware (and food packaging) is not considered to be an “item intended for use by children” and, as such, is not always regulated for total Lead content as tested/detectable with an XRF instrument.
Thank you for reading, following and sharing! Please ask questions if you have them!
Tamara Rubin
Owner – Lead Safe Mama, LLC
#LeadSafeMama
*Amazon links are affiliate links where if you purchase something after clicking on it I will receive a small percentage of what you spend at no additional cost to you!
WHOA! Do you think there is a concern with lids made today?
I don’t know yet! Need to test! 🙂
hi. Do you know how to tell the old, leaded lids from the newer ones. Do all the old ones look like the one in the picture? Did you happen to test the glass also? Thanks!
I’ve been saving metal jar lids (pickles, Glass Jar peanut butter lids, dressing, seasonings) for a children’s art program. They already do crafts with plastic lids. The metal ones add a new dimension………. they would probably be spray painting them, making holes for hangers…… Probably not a good idea, huh?
New ones – (past five years) are probably fine. Just don’t get any where you don’t know the age!
T
Hi! Do you still recommend the Amazon stainless steal spice jars? Are they the best option?
Thank you!
I don’t appreciate this attitude toward heavy metal testing and contamination from so many companies … Tamara I’d love to see your commentary on this attitude: https://www.penzeys.com/pages/consumer-reports
Thanks! I have a bunch of old spice jars that I’ll be getting rid of. I got some new ones with unpainted, plain metal lids.