Email I sent to VitaClay via their website (in response to finding Lead in their “Lead-free” product).
Published: November 26, 2018
Note: we are not aware of any changes made by VitaClay in response to this communication (in response to the testing & reporting done by Lead Safe Mama, LLC).
Our communication to VitaClay:
Hello. Your Lead-free VitaClay slow cookers have tested positive for Lead. I am the person who did the testing. I have written up my results on my website in an article linked below. The testing was done at the request of my readers. One of the components tested was, in fact, very high lead.
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Your marketing materials need to be changed (and your packaging needs to be changed) – or I am concerned you may be faced with a class action lawsuit by your customers over false advertising claims.
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If you have any questions about the testing I did, feel free to contact me. The tests I have done are replicable and accurate. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news when “Lead-free” is such a prominent theme in your marketing materials.
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Many companies respond to my research by sending it to their attorneys and having their attorneys send me threatening letters. I can attest (from past experience) that this is generally not the best course of action given my test results are accurate and replicable.
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The best course of action is for you to proactively address the concern on your website and in communications with your customers – to come up with a clear game plan to address the problem and take positive actions from there.
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While removing the lead from your product is the ideal solution, it is generally less expensive to just remove the Lead-free claims from all of your advertising materials and packaging and come up with a plan for people who bought the product specifically because it was marketed as Lead-free to return it to you for a full refund.
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On behalf of my readers, thank you for your attention to this matter.
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Tamara Rubin
Mother of Lead Poisoned Children
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https://tamararubin.com/2018/11/yet-another-lead-free-product-tests-positive-for-lead-vitaclay-chef-slow-cooker-70400-ppm-lead-please-click-and-read-for-more-info/
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Have you tested the 360 cookware gourmet slow cooker and stainless steel stock pot with cover or Sherman slow cooker??
I am super curious about the brand 360Cookware, too. I have turned the internet inside out, upside down and found nothing.
Also interested in 360 Cookware
I am so glad we found your website! We are currently in complete freak out mode as our babies are currently testing high for lead! I am shocked at how much I didn’t know, and even more shocked at the newer products (like our crockpot) that still contain lead! Any advice for us on the beginning of our investigations and lead abatement in our home? I have testing kits and Fiber Lock cleaner on its way (we are living in and renovating an old home), and other than testing, researching, and emailing companies like you have done here, I am feeling helpless!
Does anyone know if VitaClay has changed their ways. Are the newer VitaClay’s cleaner than this 2018 post one?
I think it’s unlikely since they denied the concerns – but it’s possible. I haven’t tested a new one.
If I sent you mine which is a couple years old, would you test it then return it?
I wouldn’t be able to test it until June 2024. Here’s how testing works: https://tamararubin.com/2019/08/can-i-send-in-one-of-my-dishes-or-other-items-to-test-for-lead-yes-maybe-but-read-this-first-thanks/
Hi, I know this bloke is old, but I would like to say that am amazed with your the investigation. Could you please kindly let me know if you ever tested vintage Gordon blue models for lead..?
I also read your comment that you tested a lot of slow cookers, however, are found a result of a few. Do you have a link for all other makes you tested?
I look forward to hearing your reply
Thank you
Hi there – I don’t know what a Gordon Blue is – here are the crock pot and slow cooker categories on my website – there is overlap:
Crock Pot
https://tamararubin.com/category/crock-pot/
Slow Cooker
https://tamararubin.com/category/slow-cooker/
Tamara
Hi again, thank you for your reply. I really feel well informed now, you did such an extensive and great work. This is an eye opener.
Lastly, last one quick question. In your experience in testing vintage slow cookers, did you find crockpots with bright coloured glaze more poisonous than light camel coloured glaze?
Thank you for your time
No – either type of glaze could be very high Lead.
T