For those new to this website:
Tamara Rubin is a multiple-federal-award-winning independent advocate for childhood Lead poisoning prevention and consumer goods safety, and a documentary filmmaker. She is also a mother of Lead-poisoned children (two of her sons were acutely Lead-poisoned in 2005). Since 2009, Tamara has been using XRF technology (a scientific method used by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission) to test consumer goods for toxicants (specifically heavy metals — including Lead, Cadmium, Mercury, Antimony, and Arsenic). All test results reported on this website are science-based, accurate, and replicable. Items are tested multiple times to confirm the test results for each component tested. Tamara’s work was featured in Consumer Reports Magazine in February of 2023 (March 2023 print edition).
Click here to read (and sign) the petition asking for Tupperware to formally respond to this concern!
Check back here periodically for updates. Each time I add a new article I will upload a picture to the photo grid below and link it to the post with the test results. Please take into consideration that just because (for example) one orange cup is negative for toxicants, that does not mean that all items of that color will be negative! Case-in-point: the orange cup and funnel toward the bottom of this image set appear to be identical (or nearly identical) in color, yet one is positive for toxicants and the other is negative!
Click any of the images below to see the corresponding XRF test results (listing all metals found) for that exact item pictured.
Any information you might have that can help positively date any of these pieces would be very useful. For example, one of my readers sent me the 1982 Tupperware catalog, which I have uploaded in full HERE. It looks like many of the pieces pictured below are in that catalog, and so may date from circa 1982.
Please comment here on this article, or send me an e-mail with any additional information you might have to share with my readers! Thank you: TamaraRubin@mac.om
(Note: the last images [after the “coming soon” block] are not yet linked to the test results for those items [8 p.m. PST, Saturday, 3/23]. I am working on writing up those test results now. Thank you for your patience.) Continue reading below the images as well for additional information!
If you appreciate this work and would like to see more test results like this, please consider contributing to the GoFundMe for our advocacy work: http://www.GoFundMe.com/LeadSafeMama.
Tamara, how do you decide what to test?
I do take “requests” — as, here in the Sellwood neighborhood of Portland, I live near quite a few antiques & collectibles stores and could easily go purchase something that you might want tested (for anyone that can make a contribution to cover the cost of the item and a bit toward the cost of testing); please e-mail me if you are interested in having me purchase something specific to test.
Outside of this unexpected/random/bizarre, runaway hit (shall we refer to it as the “Vintage Tupperware Testing Surprise Party of 2019?” lol), if you are interested participating in the “regularly-scheduled programming” of day-in and day-out consumer goods testing that I normally coordinate here on this site, here is an article with more information about how that generally works.
As always, thank you for reading and sharing this work.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Tamara Rubin
#LeadSafeMama
Hi! Do you know if the yellow Tupperware colander is toxic?
Thank you
Hi Cathy,
I have not yet tested one, sorry. Please check back periodically on this post: https://tamararubin.com/2019/03/is-my-tupperware-toxic-here-are-pictures-of-everything-i-have-tested-so-far-with-links-to-the-xrf-test-results/
I will link the results there as soon as I have tested one.
Thank you for commenting.
Tamara
I have a yellow oval Tupperware serving bowl w white collander inside. Bottom says Tupperware. Is this safe?
I have this same vegetable server. Is it safe to use?
Hi Ginny,
I haven not yet tested the vegetable server. I will post it on the blog when I do. If you subscribe to my e-mail list (which is free) you will be among the first to know.
Tamara
Thank you for your insight I would like to know what about vintage measuring spoons and could u send me a paper on all of items that u tested and their results
Hi Kerri,
This post IS all the items I have tested and their test results. Click each picture to see the corresponding test results for that item. I have not tested any of the measuring spoons yet.
Thanks for commenting.
Tamara
What do I do with the Tupperware I own that is toxic? Not sure it is worth keeping any Tupperware I purchased in 1970’s or 1980’s.
Here’s a good post to check out! https://tamararubin.com/2013/11/what-should-i-do-with-my-lead-contaminated-dishes-to-toss-or-not-to-toss/
I have a beetroot container..clear container with dark red lid…is it safe to use
I changed all my tupperware for free in Kolkata India last year .are these latest ones safe? I never use them for hot products.always for storage only
Have you test the Tupperware Noah’s ark fro 1986?
You don’t mention about light gold cups. They are not yellow. They are from the late 70’s early 80’s.
Would ALL of the measuring cups be toxic? We have green ones. Should I throw out EVERY piece of Tupperware I have from the 70’s and 80’s? Yikes!!
What about yellow orange and green storage bowls that came as a set from the early 80s
If you are consered with your vintage Tupperware being toxic (no proved results, as the products were not new and could’ve been used in many ways) contact me and schedule a party! You can earn new stuff to replace your older items.
How do I get a hold of someone for replacements of the yellow gold measuring cups. My mom has 3 sets of them. She uses them daily and doesn’t want to give them up.
She also has the large gallon container with white smooth lid. Are these also toxic? What about the colored canister sets to hold sugar, flour, powdered sugar, etc. are these toxic too. I am getting really concerned now.
Hi Sue,
I’m not sure. Here’s my interaction with Tupperware so far – there’s a phone number there:
https://tamararubin.com/2019/03/march-27-2019-wednesday-152-p-m-i-just-got-a-response-from-tupperware/
Tamara
Hi Tamara, I have an older veggie tray, cream colored, with a verigated top and a similar smaller version that fits in the middle of the larger one as a dip tray. These are early 80’s .
Also the colored Jr. cups that has a built in wide flat base, and about 4″ tall, so it made them more difficult to topple and spill.
Have you tested or have info on these?
.thank you for your time.
Sandy
I have the butter dish that holds 2 sticks of butter, the cover is falling apart and my husband won’t let me throw it cause he likes lots of butter softened, have you tested them? I’m sure if the other stuff is bad this would be too, I also have the dark blue canister set that I use all the time and several other pieces.
I have the orange measuring cups. Are the measuring spoons bad also?
Is there a post that simply lists each piece as either SAFE or UNSAFE? I am getting confused going from one color to the other.
Each post lists the XRF test results for each specific item pictured.
I generally don’t rate any plastics as “safe” (overall). Especially since Tupperware has admitted that they had unsafe levels of PBA prior to 2010, I would not think any pre-2010 Tupperware should be considered safe (my opinion.)
Here’s my post with links to #SaferChoices in general: https://tamararubin.com/store/
Tamara
2010?! That’s nine years ago!
Hi Rebecca,
Yes – so Tupperware newer than 2010 (9 years and newer) should be safe from heavy metals and BPA as I understand it. Vintage is generally “at least 20+ years old” – and it is all Vintage Tupperware that has been testing positive for heavy metals (it looks like the Tupperware from the 1980s is the most suspect right now.)
Tamara
What I meant was “that’ ONLY nine years ago!”
Thanks so much to you I am getting rid of five pyrex bowls, a beautiful set of clear and orange tupperware canisters, tupperware measuring spoons and cups, and more!! YIKES! I’m usually really smart about leaching but the vintage blinded me because I love it so much. THANK YOU for you work.
Has the marinator been tested? Reddish bottom with white top.
Are all the Tupperware items from the patterns (i.e. yellow/brown/orange bowls in your picture) contain the toxins? I have 2 brown containers made of the same like that short yellow container with a lid. It is taller 6″ × 4″. And one shorter. Do they contain the toxins too or do you have to test each one?
Hi Kimberly,
Click on each of the images for starters – for ideas of whether or not it contains toxicants. For example the brown one is Lead-free, but since it is a piece from pre-2010 it still contains BPA which is a signifiant concern.
Let me know if you have more questions after exploring some of the other posts first.
Tamara
Do you have any results for the canister set for sugar, flour, etc? Gold colored with a wreath imprinted on the front.
I started collecting all this Tupperware when I was 16. I am now 56! I am an avid home baker and have used the measuring cups for all my married life. I have my sugars, flour, coconut, cocoa and many more in the beige canisters with a little emblem on them and also the stackable oblong ones. Wow. I suppose I need to throw them all out. Instead of being of any value they now are completely worthless and deadly too.
Cathy, you sound like me. I’ve loved Tupperware for twenty years. But after seeing this I got rid of the orange totally cool measuring cups and spoons and a clear and orange canister set, along with some Pyrex bowls and a vintage ice cream scoop. I kept the orange Harvest canisters for show.
I searched at brick and mortar stores and bed bath and beyond and the best I found were these. I wanted to share with you.
Unfortunately it’s supporting amazon more but they are working nicely.
Beautiful Canisters Sets for the Kitchen Counter, 8-Piece Stainless Steel, Medium Sized with Glass Lids and Measuring Cups – SilverOnyx Tea Coffee Sug https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072L1PR7J/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_ppG5tTdaEcuAJ
Wow, I was a Tupperware dealer 6 yrs in 70’s to 80. Raised our family of 6 using it and have tons of the product. 🙁
Don’t know where to begin to replace. Thanks for your testing on it and will certainly be watching your emails for updates on more Tupperware product testing. …. as I start replacing!
Have you tested the clear Tupperware? Are they toxic or just the colored pieces. Can I safely repurpose the containers for garage storage of non food items or are they toxic to handle etc?
Hi Jo!
The white and clear have been free of heavy metals but I understand that Tupperware issued an alert that all pre-2010 pieces have unsafe levels of BPA regardless of the color – so that’s definitely a concern given BPA is an endocrine disruptor.
Here’s the one white/clear-ish one that I have up on the blog: https://tamararubin.com/2019/03/white-tupperware-vintage-measuring-cups-non-detect-for-lead-mercury-cadmium-and-arsenic/
My understanding is that BPA is toxic to handle (especially on things like thermal receipts.)
Tamara
I have the dusty pink and dusty blue cannisters, probably late 70’s/early 80’s…do you want them for testing? I’ll be happy to mail them to you.
I wonder about the cake and pie carriers. I know my cake carrier has a yellow bottom and clear top. The pie has a clear bottom and blue top.
If it’s old it’s all toxic. Period. And it’s not worth it. My sister just died of cancer and the risk that these chemicals cause cancer is is too high. I use my old cake carrier with a piece of wax paper between the cake and the carrier.
Tamara, I have a veggie steamer, yellow, with #1273-6. Have you tested for this? It is approximately 25-30 years old.
Yikes! Heating up ANY Tupperware or plastic -ware is a no-no. Add that it’s old-
No way. That’s just asking for leaching into your food. Same with Tupperware /plastic strainers. Heck no.
I still use a vintage pitcher, modern pitchers just are not made as well. My question is this,. . Can you you fill a Tupperware container with water, wait an hour, then test the water for the toxins? How do we how much of the toxins are leaching out in a short time?
I agree new stuff isn’t made as well. I think my 96 year old grandmother still has some, maybe the measuring cups and a bowl or two. My father might as well at almost 80. Both still alive 🙂 not sick at all.
I wouldn’t heat them or put hot food in them. But we had much of the stuff she’s talking about and managed this far. Not saying you shouldn’t pay attention to it, but maybe don’t be paranoid, either.
I completely agree. My mother and grandmother use them forever and it didn’t affect them or any of us as for the measuring cups. You scoop the flower, a scoop of sugar you drop it into a ball it’s not like we’re chewing on the plastic..♀️
Children are often given these to play with and they often chew them. Please read this:
https://tamararubin.com/2015/02/fine/
Tamara
sorry about the typos. I dictated this because my hand hurts. Siri clearly has no idea
My question is about the canisters that are “clearish” and have colored lids.
Are they safe? If so, does it matter what color the lid is? I have blue and orange.
Are the stack cookers that are designed to go into the microwave safe. They are unbreakabke if you drop them. And there were 3 sections plus the cover. I would love to know if they are safe.
Hi there. I have an orange steamer similar to the one above but the # on it is 1346-2 for the bottom and 1337-21 for the lid. Wondering if they should be tossed too or if they might be newer since the # on the one you tested is different? Thanks so much for all you do-I had no idea how prevalent lead and other dangerous toxins are in my life!
Hi Jennifer,
Post-2010 Tupperware is Lead and BPA free. Otherwise I would toss it. The numbers on the bottom don’t indicate the age unfortunately – just the mold number I guess.
Tamara
I’m not Jennifer but I wouldn’t steam in anything plastic ever. Big temperature changes is when things leach chemicals. So no microwaving, freezing or steaming in plastic to be safe.
I only have Tupperware glasses very light blue and pink from the 60s–i only use them for ice water in the summer– can they leach toxins or can I still use them–they have white lids?
I have several tumblers from the early to mid 80’s, specifically the line with rose, mint green, blue, and grey. My mother’s best friend was a Tupperware consultant, and she gave me a Tupperware bridal shower in 1984. I also grew up using the 70’s avocado green, yellow, orange, and brown tumblers. My mom had the orange pitcher and we drank orange juice from it (in the tumblers, of course), every morning at breakfast.
All that said, my mom lived to be just five months short of 100 years old. My dad lived until 91, but had neglected high cholesterol and triglycerides for decades. He was very active, but ultimately had a heart attack. None of my family has had cancer or any other major health problems.
I am concerned now, though, because I still use my tumblers for water. I don’t have many of the storage containers from the 80’s left, and use the two or three I do have to store small craft items.
I tried to click the link to see all of the pieces you’ve tested, but couldn’t get it to work.
R
Is the yellow strainer with handle toxic?
Yes – I would not consider it safe for food use purposes (if it was purchased / manufactured before 2010).
T
I own two Tupperware lettuce crispers but not sure how old they are. Would you know if they contain any BPA?
Thanks for any help!
They only stopped the bpa in 2010.
Tamara, thank you for your site. As a person that worked in a warehouse/dealership for Tupperware, it hurts me to know how unsafe all of this is. I remember a time when people couldn’t wait to have a party just to see the new items and what they could get for free. Guess those free items cost us all in the end.
Tried to live a healthy, clean life, diagnosed with cancer in 2019. Just thinking out loud, can there be a class action lawsuit against Tupperware since they knew about all of the toxicants in their product and still continue to sell it?
Thank you for commenting. I am connecting with attorneys on various products – will throw this idea into the hopper.
T
I have Tupperware that goes back to the 1980’s. Will it be safe to use it to store non-food items? I live in the tropics and try to keep everything in moisture proof containers.
I’ve been using the dark red and orange containers to store leftovers made with tomatoes, so it wouldn’t stain. After reading this, I’d better stop doing that. I also have the yellow measuring cups, green measuring spoons, and a white strainer. Sounds like I’d better get rid of them. I had breast cancer in 2018, so maybe there’s a connection. I’ve noted that really old Tupperware smells musty, so I’ve thrown them out. I subscribe to Consumer Reports, so will read your story in Feb 2023 issue.