Click the image here to sign the petition on Change.org.
When you do sign, please leave a comment as well, this will help the petition to get more traction.
You can also read the full petition text (here on my blog) by scrolling down.
Thank you for reading, and (most important!) thank you for sharing this post!
Tamara Rubin
#LeadSafeMama
Mother of Lead Poisoned Children
Full petition text:
I – Tamara Rubin (aka #LeadSafeMama) – tested vintage Tupperware products in March of 2019 and found many examples (in different colors, styles and products) were positive for unsafe levels of LEAD (Pb), MERCURY (Hg), CADMIUM (Cd) and ARSENIC (As) (by modern standards) when tested with an XRF instrument in Consumer Goods mode. The XRF instrument is the same instrument used by the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) to screen for toxicants in modern consumer goods intended for use by children.
Today government agencies (EPA, CDC, FDA, CPSC, etc.) agree that there is no level of Lead exposure that is safe for children. It just takes a microscopic amount of Lead to poison a child. Lead exposure can cause long term health impairments (including permanent brain damage) in children. [My 14 year old son has permanent brain damage as a result of being acutely Lead poisoned as a baby.] Cadmium is a known carcinogen and is also toxic at very low levels. Mercury and Arsenic each are also considered poisonous to humans (even at trace levels.)
The presence of these heavy metal toxicants in vintage plastic kitchenware (from any brand or company) is a problem because these toxicants have been demonstrated (through multiple scientific studies) to leach from vintage plastics.
The fact that the vintage Tupperware products in question are food-use products (many marketed by Tupperware as expressly intended for microwave use / use with hot foods – or intended for food storage), makes these findings especially concerning as toxicants are more likely to leach from plastics in the presence of acids (like lemon juice, tomato sauce and vinegar) and even more likely to leach with prolonged exposure (food storage) and heat (microwaving). [Link to scientific study here.] [Link to a second study here.]
Here’s a link to my original post noting the finding of Lead and Arsenic in vintage Tupperware.
This whole issue is even more concerning given Tupperware’s brand is based on an articulated mission and reputation of trust and a goal of inspiring women: “To inspire women to cultivate the confidence they need to enrich their lives, nourish their families, and fuel communities around the world.”
Their products are also known to last forever and, as such, have a lifetime warranty: “Tupperware products are legendary for their longevity, but things do happen, so we’re proud to back up our already durable products with an extensive warranty.” So the Tupperware company is AWARE that 30-, 40- and 50-year-old products (many of which are now known to be full of toxicants as a result of my research) are in regular daily use in the homes of their longtime customers and consultants.
Mothers are handing these down to their children.
Grandmothers are handing them down to their grandchildren.
They last forever, with the intention of being used for generations.
People expect more from the Tupperware brand, yet so far it’s been near “radio-silence” from them on this issue that potentially impacts the health and well being of every family that has been “nourished” using their products in decades past.
So far the only response that has been received from Tupperware corporate on this matter is this one from March 27, 2019: link here. In this response they state: “Please be advised we are aware of this…”
To my knowledge, there have been no other official or formal written responses from Tupperware, although some of my readers (over 1,200,000 unique readers this year alone – with nearly 1,000,000 coming to my blog specifically to read about the toxicants found in vintage Tupperware) have reported to me that, when asked, Tupperware has refused to replace these toxic products under their warranty program – as toxic products are not one of their stated reasons to warrant a return. Generally only broken, chipped or warped products warrant a free replacement.
Today (Thursday, 7/11/2019) one of my readers asked me what we would expect Tupperware to do about this problem, given many of these toxic products are 30 or 40 years old. Here’s a list of possible proactive responses Tupperware could have had (and still could have if they choose to respond positively to this petition) in the interest of protecting their brand and their customers:
- Issue an honest public statement (and letter of apology to their customers) about the concern for toxicants found in their vintage products (advising customers to only use Tupperware products made after 2010, when they formally removed BPA from their products and also no longer used heavy metals as a component of their plastics colorants.)
- Develop and implement a replacement program, extending their warranty coverage to include products identified to have heavy metals and other toxicants (including BPA). [Perhaps offering free disposal for vintage products and a credit towards a purchase of their new safer products?]
- Engage a third party to do independent leach testing on vintage products that have been confirmed to have heavy metals using XRF technology – as a means of quantifying the potential human risk and determining next steps. [If Tupperware’s assertion is that these products are safe (from the perspective of their potential to leach toxicants), please demonstrate it.]
What we are asking for in response to this petition: an honest, thoughtful, considerate response from Tupperware that takes into account the potential longterm harm that may have been caused by these vintage products and that offers a remedy (such as free product replacement) to long-time customers.
Thank you for reading and for signing this petition.
Please do share it with everyone you know. Perhaps once they see the numbers of people (ACROSS THE GLOBE) who care about this concern, they will do something proactive in this matter (other than possibly try to sue me for defamation(!)… which has been tried by other companies before, and I have no concern about – as my test results are science-based and replicable.)
Tamara Rubin
#LeadSafeMama
Mother of Lead Poisoned Children.
At a bare minimum Tupperware should advise people to no long use vintage products made prior to 2010. Lead poisoning is mostly preventable but only if people are educated about the hazards.
Thank you so much for commenting Laurie!
-Tamara
I was a Tupperware lady. I have so much of it and now I am afraid to use it. It was big investment. I can not afford to replace it because I am on fixed income. Now what do I do???
I suggest that Tupperware devise an incentive program to exchange old for new, maybe on specific products, or a return (if only to get “off the streets”) and to assist with replacement, maybe 2 to 1 replacement where items have been kept in good working condition and not abused. Especially people who need assistance should’ve given much consideration!
I have orange measuring cups as well as numerous Tupperware, is this referring to only the yellow range? I am quite concerned about this!!!
Hi Sue, here are the orange ones – each of the different colors (from different periods) have different metal contaminants in different amounts: https://tamararubin.com/2019/03/orange-tupperware-vintage-measuring-cups-61-ppm-cadmium-cadmium-is-a-known-carcinogen-for-humans/
Thank you for commenting.
Tamara
It’s funny – I never liked Tupperware! Any pieces that I was given as gifts ended up with a strange liquorice odor! I tossed them quickly.
My Mom used a lot of containers from Superseal. They were more translucent than Tupperware in white or pastels. And more flexible. I still have some. Do you know anything about them?
I was a tupperaware dealer about 30 years ago and have many of these items….horrified!!!
Hi Lynise,
Thank you so much for commenting! I would love to see this petition gain some traction – please share it everywhere you can think of so we can push Tupperware to give us some answers!
Thanks again!
Tamara
I use the yellow vintage canisters everyday, Do they contain lead too?
Hi Karen,
I haven’t tested those yet.
Tamara
Please, please inform yourself on detoxification protocols. Heavy metal toxicity can cause inflammation in our bodies leading to all sorts of neurological disorders including Autism and Alzheimer’s.
I had mercury toxicity from silver/Amalgum dental fillings. The odds are we are all walking toxic waste dumps. No wonder we are all getting these disorders!
Hi Deb!
Thank you for commenting.
Tamara
I have been buying Tupperware since 1955 when I was lst married. I have many of the original pieces from then. Use the colander daily, drinking glasses, pastry roll out—many more pieces. It was great to use in my Airstream trailer as didn’t break. Now, how do I know if any pieces are safe.
Please address this issue.
I love the measuring cups & use 4 sets for cooking. Have white, green, yellow, & the orange. I’m still using the measuring spoons also.
Now what do I do to replace these items?
This is my 2nd email as forgot to include these pieces which I use daily.
Hi. What about the old red and the clear containers. I assume the red is much the same as the orange but now not sure about the clear ones
Hi Helen,
So far the whitish/clear ones I have tested have been negative for heavy metals. The Red seems to go either way depending on the era – but much of it has been negative too. I really wish there were years of manufacture on these things, it would make figuring this puzzle out so much easier!
Red Examples: https://tamararubin.com/category/red-vintage-tupperware/
A white/ clear example: https://tamararubin.com/category/white-vintage-tupperware/
Thanks for commenting.
Tamara
I use the beige measuring spoons almost daily as well as the green, orange & yellow measuring cups. I also have a new set of the blue ones. Now I’m ready to throw it all out n get glass. I had sold Tupperware back in the 70’s
Mine isn’t the yellow, they’re a light cream. Is this still not safe?
Mine are cream as well, measuring spoons and all! Guess it’s time to go shopping. Or call replacement line and insist they replace stuff.
I was a Tupperware lady in the 90’s I too have a houseful of Tupperware. I am Appalled at their lack of concern. At he minimum make a statement to dump all that plastic!
I, too, have a lot of ‘vintage’ Tupperware. My measuring cups are yellow as well as my flour, sugar, etc containers, have the yellow and orange nesting bowls and a great deal of the white-ish clear containers (as well as pale yellow) with various colored lids. Some of this dates back to the 60’s and 70’s. It could be costly to replace all of it! – but that may be the solution!
I have the canister set with pink lids. It was on of the first sets in the 90’s. Are they bad? I keep sugar flour teabags in the half size etc.
I also have tupperware for 50 years or more. Keep me posted,
K – thank you so much! Keep an eye on the website for any new developments. If you sign up / subscribe to my newsletter (free) you will be among the first to know of any developments with this. So far they have not responded (12/29/2019).
Tamara
I have used Tupperware in my home and travel trailer since 1955. Hopefully the unsafe materials can be taken out of all the Tupperware. My Tupperware has been used in the dishwasher all through the years and now I fear using it. It is all being hand washed and no hot ingredients, only dry room temperature.
That’s very disturbing, as I still have so much old Tupperware that I still use, and I’ve always loved it and trusted it’s use.
I have tupperware from 1977 and before. It there any thing Tupperware doung about the hazard.
I sold Tupperware in the 80’s and my children and grandchildren have used it. Now at 70 I can’t afford to replace everything. Yes, I still use my orange canisters, measuring cups and spoons. Many other things as well. Tupperware should stand up and replace there product. They did tell us that it had a lifetime guarantee.
Why was there not a public announcement regarding the problems with older Tupperware?
I used to sell Tupperware so do have quite a collection and have a few items dating back to my first purchase in about 1963 when in the UK. All are in perfect condition.
Although I would like to replace all these items , it would be far too costly at my age (87).
The company (Tupperware)must be held responsible and should replace these dangerous pieces.
Also, are cheaper versions of the product (available in stores such as K Mart) safe to use?
Hi Mary! Wow! Thank you for commenting. I am 51 years old and can barely keep up with the internet / new technology – lol! New similar products (food use plastics) sold at big box stores will be lead-free. The Tupperware from pre-2010 also had BPA at unsafe levels as I understand it – so even some of their later pieces (up to 2010) should not be considered safe as BPA is an endocrine disruptor and that is well documented. I am working on getting some more attention / more eyes on this petition this year – perhaps we will be able to move the needle a little and get the company to make an official response – which they have not done as of yet.
Tamara
I find it appalling that on their website there is an FAQ section with the question “is 40 year old Tupperware safe?” To which they state “ Vintage Tupperware as we like to call it is not bad for you. If your containers are still in mint condition from 1960 – well done!” and further down they state that old returned Tupperware is recycled into new pieces which makes me concerned for the level of toxins in their new products too! What do you think?
https://www.tupperware.com.au/blogs/news/everything-you-need-to-know-about-tupperware-in-2021
Wow! I hadn’t seen that. Thank you for sharing!
The public should have been informed about the dangers of using dated Tupperware.
Advice has been given to cease using older Tupperware to store food. Is that not what was the original intention?
What does the company intend to do about reimbursing their customers?
It’s 2022. Has there been anything to resolve this??
Nope.
Maybe it’s time for the government to step in and force TUPPERWARE to take over the action
that should have been taken by now.
When I first heard of Lead Safe Mama’s work it was about purging lead/poison filled Tupperware. Some pieces of mine were 45 years old. I’ve been called the Tupperware Queen.
Passed along pieces I no longer used.
At this revelation I threw it ALL out. No donations to help appease ‘the waste’.
I emailed the Tupperware info. link to 200 people.
A baggie will be better than using Tupperware! YOU’RE WORTH IT!!