For those new to the Lead Safe Mama 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 four sons were acutely Lead-poisoned in 2005).
- Tamara owns and runs Lead Safe Mama, LLC — a unique community collaborative woman-owned small business for childhood Lead poisoning prevention and consumer goods safety.
- Since July of 2022, the work of Lead Safe Mama, LLC has been responsible for five product recalls (FDA and CPSC).
- All test results reported on this website are science-based, accurate, and replicable.
- Please check out our press page to see some of the amazing coverage of our work so far this year!
Additional Food-Related Reading That May Be Of Interest
- Safer choices for snacks — in general
- Guidelines for choosing safer foods
- Discussion on the concern for baby food contamination (and how to make safer choices)
- Tamara’s food list (what she feeds her family)
- General overview discussing the concern for Lead and Cadmium in chocolate
- Concern for toxicants in peanut butter
- Concern for toxicants in sunflower seed butter
Last Updated: October 2024
General Rules/ Guidelines for Evaluating Food Test Results (in the absence of testing every single packaged food product on the market!)
- Lead Safe Mama, LLC’s “non-detect” findings should never be considered relevant/ applicable across an entire brand or product line.
- More specifically, Lead Safe Mama, LLC’s “non-detect” findings should never be extrapolated as being possibly relevant for other products from the same brand with different ingredient profiles:
- Example:
- Jovial Organic Einkorn Flour is negative/ “non-detect” for toxicants.
- Jovial rice pastas and Jovial cassava pastas each tested positive for unsafe levels of toxicants (heavy metals).
- Example:
- Lead Safe Mama, LLC’s “non-detect” laboratory findings (for the food testing we are doing) can be reasonably extrapolated as possibly/ likely relevant for different products from the same brand ONLY if the different products have the exact same ingredients.
- Example:
- Jacobsen’s Oregon Sourced Kosher Sea Salt likely has the same (or similar) test results as their Oregon Sourced Flake Salt (it is the same single-ingredient product, from the same source in a different form/shape)
- However we did not expect Jacobsen’s Italian harvested sea salt to test the same as their Oregon-sourced sea salts (which is the reason we tested Italian salt in addition to testing the Oregon salt from that company).
- Note: we do plan on re-testing any foods that came back “non-detect” periodically to confirm they continue to be non-detect. If, at any time, any one of these foods tests positive for heavy metals in subsequent testing. they will be removed from the list below.
- Example:
- Lead Safe Mama, LLC’s findings of unsafe levels of Lead, Cadmium, Arsenic and Mercury in specific brands and products should — on the other hand — be extrapolated across a brand in the absence of other testing of products from that brand (especially if the products generally have similar base ingredient profiles — even if some ingredients are different).
- Example #1) We expect all Simple Mills Sweet Thins (in different flavors) to test similarly toxic (have similar heavy metal profiles) as the base ingredients are the same. See the Chocolate Mint Lab report here, and the Honey Cinnamon report here.
- Example #2) We expect all Seven Sundays Sunflower Cereals (in different flavors) to test similarly toxic (and have similar heavy metal profiles) as the base ingredients are the same. Check out the Sunflower Cereal in Chocolate lab report here.
Lead Safe Mama’s Landing Page for Lab-Tested Safer Foods & Supplements
- Welcome to the Lead Safe Mama website landing page, below, where we will ONLY list foods we have tested (using independent, third-party, laboratory testing) that resulted in “non-detect” (effectively tested negative with the limits of detection as noted) for Lead, Cadmium, Mercury, and Arsenic.
- The low threshold of detection for the laboratory and testing methodology used is specifically noted on the lab report for each of the foods tested (lab reports are linked below).
- Funding for the testing of these products was contributed (via crowd-sourced funding and individual contributions) by members of the greater online Lead Safe Mama community.
- The the low thresholds of detection for each toxicant we are addressing varies slightly with each lab report. Please reference the lab report for the product you are considering if you have any questions about the specific low threshold of detection.
Below are links for the safer food & supplement products we have identified (via laboratory testing) so far.
We will update this list periodically — as we discover (via independent laboratory testing) other packaged food products that are also non-detect for these metals of concern.
For each listing of a safer product below, the links included (which direct you to the related lab reports and products) are for the exact product tested and determined safe. It is important to note that the test results for the one product noted below in each numbered point DOES NOT APPLY to other products (or other flavors of the same product-type) from the brand — unless otherwise expressly stated in the related article with the lab test report (following the guidelines noted above).
- Sea Salt (Oregon, USA): https://amzn.to/4dcbk5L
- Organic Einkorn Flour (Italy): https://amzn.to/3LIqxix
- Organic, Gluten-Free, Sprouted Rolled Oats (Canada): https://amzn.to/3WIQ1BN
- Organic, Non-GMO, Gluten-Free Chia Seeds (Mexico): https://amzn.to/3YvE7xC
- Organic Espresso Roast Ground Coffee (Multi-Country Origin, Non-USA): https://amzn.to/3yo1eiL
- Sparkling Grape-Flavored Tonic: https://amzn.to/4cjFYZu
- Article with the lab test report for this product
- Different flavors may have different lab reports, this is the only flavor we have tested
- Pure Organic Layered Fruit Bars in Strawberry Banana Flavor: https://amzn.to/3WQEekA
- Pure Organic Layered Fruit Bars in Raspberry Lemonade Flavor (sold in a box assortment, we haven’t found these sold separately): https://amzn.to/3XcFsIp
- Article with the lab test report for this product
- We do expect other flavors of this product to test similarly
- GoGo Squeez Organic Fruit On The Go in AppleApple Flavor: https://amzn.to/3XhWYLe
- Article with the lab test report for this product
- Other flavors of this product do not test similarly.
- Organic Soy Milk: https://amzn.to/4dwev8l
- Article with lab report to be published shortly
- Organic Hemp Seeds: https://amzn.to/4e05RP9
- Article with lab report to be published shortly
- Organic Perilla Seed Oil (Korea): https://amzn.to/3NDt7Yc
- ByHeart Infant Formula (USA Made): https://amzn.to/48DJjTb
- Kendamil Organic Follow-On Milk (European / BritishToddler Formula, 6-12 months) – not available on Amazon
- Holle Bio Goat State 2 Infant Formula (6-10 months, organic, European – Swiss/German/Austrian): Link not available on Amazon. Stage 3 version of this product (not yet tested, but should test similarly as ingredient profile is similar): https://amzn.to/3BVU7zI
- Avocado Oil (not organic): https://amzn.to/3YmzgwP
- Children’s Breakfast Cereal (organic): https://amzn.to/4e1RvgL
- Children’s Vitamin (organic): https://amzn.to/3YD5KnL
- Fish Oil Supplement: https://amzn.to/3NNnHK5
Shar says
Love this. Thank you for making this such an easy access for us
Marie says
Great layout!!
Lauren says
So glad to hear about one degree oats! We’ve been using them for years because they test for glyphosate. I make most of my own food which requires flour at times. Have you tested any one degree flours? We use the spelt and whole wheat. Also, have you tested any all purpose flours? I feel like choosing foods for my family is becoming so stressful!
Tamara says
Hi – not yet.
This list has everything we have tested and everything we currently have pending:
https://tamararubin.com/2024/06/food-testing-fundraising-campaigns-update-all-batches-of-lead-safe-mama-llc-food-testing-2024/
T
Joy Kaye says
What is the story on vital proteins unflavored collagen?
Tamara says
Here’s the status report on pending testing:
https://tamararubin.com/2024/06/food-testing-fundraising-campaigns-update-all-batches-of-lead-safe-mama-llc-food-testing-2024/
Lynn says
I still can’t find it. I wish it was more self-explanatory when you look for vital proteins through the link you listed above..
Tamara says
It’s not yet tested. Status report is in the spreadsheet linked near the top of this page.
Christy says
I find your site so confusing… for example – is there a link to simply show what the 11 tested as safe foods are?
Tamara says
You are commenting on that link.
Diana says
Do you have a page with all the products that tested high for lead?
Tamara says
This lists all of our testing and pending testing – including testing campaigns that have not yet funded:
https://tamararubin.com/2024/06/food-testing-fundraising-campaigns-update-all-batches-of-lead-safe-mama-llc-food-testing-2024/
and this page has all of the articles we have published about the food testing we have been doing since March of 2024:
https://tamararubin.com/2024/05/links-to-all-of-the-articles-related-to-food-testing-done-by-lead-safe-mama-llc-in-one-place/
Tammy says
Do you have a P. O. Box I could send a money order too? It is ok to FB message or email me.
T.
Tamara says
Hi – we don’t have a P.O. Box – just our normal address. Thank you very much!
Lead Safe Mama, LLC
7933 SE 15th Avenue
Portland, Oregon
97202
USA
Rosanne says
Where do you receive the product suggestions for testing ?
AJ Rubin says
Thanks for commenting! This is AJ (Tamara’s son) answering questions.
All product suggestions for the products my mom has been testing have come from her readers. If you’d like to suggest an item for testing or support the testing of a particular item that has already been requested, you can visit this link and it has all of the information:
https://tamararubin.com/2024/05/how-to-test-food-yourself-via-a-lab-submission-for-lead-cadmium-arsenic-and-mercury/
Rachel Haupt says
Hi 🙂 I’m having a hard time finding the lab results for the death wish coffee. Am I missing it? Thanks!
Tamara says
It’s non-detect for all – the report hasn’t been published yet.
Christy says
That’s wonderful, but… I don’t think Death Wish is mold free?
Marcy says
New lead alert! I just emailed the company & field a report w/ the consumer protection agency–
Greens Steel “all stainless” portable coffee/tea cup/mug–we got the 16oz size–I hadn’t noticed the dull dot on the bottom until my daughter got back from a pre-college program and I noticed it. Tested with a LeadCheck and it turned bright beet pink! There are thousands who ordered this product–I’m not happy my kid made her daily coffee and took it to her classes in that thing–likely handled the lead (ugh)–plus in washing it each day.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08MZ4HHDH/ref=twister_B09KT33VPF?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
So much for this “green” company touting their non-toxic products
Tamara says
Thank you
Sarah Eliza says
Ooooo I am so excited about the coffee! Just put in a big Amazon order for it and everything I had in my cart with your link. Could we add Target Good and Gather Three Region organic coffee to the list of things to test? I’d donate big to that one!!
Chia seed is also exciting but looks like it was whole seed chia? I’d love to know test results for a ground one since absorption is better for omegas and antioxidants with ground chia seeds, and I think grinding can add to lead sometimes right? Maybe I can just grind them in a coffee grinder though, or soak them or something, I’ll look it up.
JA says
I would be wary of ground seed because omega 3 oils oxidize very easily when in contact with oxygen. Rancidity in omega 3 fats is an issue with things like fish oil. Chia seeds have naturally occurring antioxidants and a tough seed coat that prevent rancidity very well. Chewing the seeds certainly releases the oil. Chew slowly and thoroughly.
pinkwithsprinklesontop says
Thank you so much for this information!!! I just bought the salt from your link!
Tamara says
Thank you!
Brittany says
Have you tested pediasure?
AJ Rubin says
Thanks for commenting! This is AJ (Tamara’s son) answering questions.
That product has not yet been tested.
Here is a list of the products that have already been tested:
https://tamararubin.com/2024/05/links-to-all-of-the-articles-related-to-food-testing-done-by-lead-safe-mama-llc-in-one-place/
And here is a link to how you can request a product to be tested:
https://tamararubin.com/2024/05/how-to-test-food-yourself-via-a-lab-submission-for-lead-cadmium-arsenic-and-mercury/
Ej says
Can you please set up a go fund me for Costco’s Organic Chocolate Fudge ice cream bars? I will fund $100 myself.
Tamara says
Oh – that’s an interesting one – will be setting up more today. Will get you a link when that is live.
T
Jeanne says
Are you talking about the organic HC chocolate fudge bars that are 100 calories? If so I’d also LOVE to know about those. They are our less guilty pleasure in the summer heat!
Thanks for asking about them, hope they are the same!
Jeanne
Karam says
Hi have you teated once upon a farm baby food? Puffs and pouches?
Li says
It is a little sad that out of all the products tested, only these were found to be “safe”. How can we make this type of labeling as a standard for all food, like the current nutrition labels? Maybe add a link or QR code to be able to look up the 3rd party report? We need better labeling on our food so we can decide what is safe for our family. Not just the nutrition stuff, which are also not very accurate as that does not have any link to an external report, that should be produced by a 3rd party lab not paid for by the manufacture.
Tamara says
Yes!
Working on it.
We have also found FIVE MORE safe foods and will be updating this list shortly.
Subscribe to the Lead Safe Mama newsletter to be among the first to see those lab reports as soon as they are published, or just check back here periodically (bookmark this page).
Here’s the subscribe link:
https://tamararubin.com/subscribe/
Thank you!
jeanette says
Hello!
Can we also assume that the death wish whole bean coffee would also be lead free as
the ground coffee? Thanks for all your hard work!
Tamara says
Not 100% definitive – but in this case I think it would be a reasonable assumption. I just bought another from this brand to use this week because they didn’t have the purple and black one. Given the ingredients are the same – it’s reasonable to jump to that conclusion, although there’s a chance it could be wrong.
T
Danae says
Love this list! We have nut allergies in our house, so the first two lists can’t be consumed, but love the other stuff!
Amanda says
Hello. I need an organic Decaf coffee. Has there been any decaf coffee tested? I use Organic Mount Hagen Freeze Dried Decaf Instant and sometimes Clipper Decaf Instant Coffee. Thanks for your help!
Tamara says
Everything that has been tested or will be tested is listed on this page – as well as the link with instructions on suggesting items for testing:
https://tamararubin.com/2024/06/food-testing-fundraising-campaigns-update-all-batches-of-lead-safe-mama-llc-food-testing-2024/
T
Jennifer says
Hi Tamara,
I sent an email offering to sponsor 15 new items for testing, I just wanted to make sure it didn’t go to your spam folder. I did send it to the testing@ email so hopefully its on your list soon. Thank you!
Jennifer
Tamara says
Oh thank you! We will be reviewing those today!
Tamara
Amy Gibbons says
I know there is no safe level of lead but seeing as it is in so much I am trying to keep an eye on how much my family consumes daily. I am trying to understand (since probably all supplements have lead?) if the smarty pants tested for the level you reported…was one chew or the 4 that are the serving size? I am assuming 1 and then if they do normal dose they are getting 4x that daily correct?
Tamara says
Please read this discussion about serving size: https://tamararubin.com/2024/06/why-are-clean-label-project-purity-award-winning-products-testing-positive-for-lead-cadmium-mercury-arsenic/
Amy Gibbons says
Hi. I have read that. Thank you. I am asking about your test. The amount you are showing that is in the gummy is one gummy tested correct? I think that is very important info to have when reading your results and I very much appreciate knowing. Thanks so much! Very much hoping you find a safe kids vitamin! We especially need one with methyl folate and our list of options is limited :/
Christy says
Can Purity Coffee be added to the list to be tested? It is supposedly mold free. Thank you!
Heidy Flores says
Thank you for this list. I really hope it grows a little bigger as more tests are being done. I can’t believe the amount of “healthy” alternatives that have heavy metals. It makes me sick .
Keep doing what you’re doing! Hopefully it’ll spark some change in this country.
Tamara says
Thank you.
June says
Tamara, I think this testing is extremely important and I have made several contributions for testing. That said… I am also concerned about how people are coping with these test results.
Seems to me very few processed foods are safe and much of our fresh produce is unsafe, including lettuce and most root vegetables. What are we supposed to eat?!?! I find this all overwhelming and depressing! Are we limited to a few safe foods? Where is the hope in all this?
I admire your dedication to this work, but we need hope and real solutions!
Thank you.
Tamara says
Fresh produce is NOT unsafe – that is a MYTH perpetuated by the PACKAGED FOOD INDUSTRY!
People need to stop relying on packaged foods if they want to avoid dying of cancer and other diseases related to toxicant exposure.
EAT FRESH.
EAT WHOLE FOODS.
AVOID FLOUR (any kind of flour – anything sold as a powder in a package).
AVOID SUGAR (any kind of sugar / sweetener – anything sold as a powder in a package).
Eat RAW FOODS when possible (uncooked fruits and veggies).
I have lots of articles and lists here of what my family eats (maybe a good place to start).
Read This:
https://tamararubin.com/2023/03/my-favorite-organic-coffee-some-of-my-thoughts-related-to-choosing-safer-lead-free-foods/
Read This:
https://tamararubin.com/2024/06/are-you-suffering-from-snack-paralysis-are-you-concerned-that-all-snacks-test-positive-for-lead-here-are-some-safer-snack-ideas-for-your-kids/
Read This:
https://tamararubin.com/2017/03/which-foods-have-lower-lead-levels-tamaras-food-list-including-foods-we-try-to-avoid-at-all-cost/
Good luck!
Get a heavy metals panel too – see which metals are in your body, so you have a better sense of what you want to limit:
https://tamararubin.com/2020/05/i-heard-that-urine-and-hair-tests-for-heavy-metals-including-lead-were-not-real-or-useful-test-results-why-is-this/
Tamara
NM says
Tamara, I only have 2 top molars in my mouth. Unfortunately I cannot chew anything at all! I prefer to eat a mostly raw food diet, bot only very FEW fruits are soft, and there aren’t any vegetables at all that are soft when they’re raw. I have to rely mostly on kitchen tools. I am DESPERATE to find replacements immediately for my blender, juicer, and food processor ( i stopped using my KitchenAid).
I’ve already purchased, before knowing about your website, the following:
Kuvings hands free slow juicer,
Kuvings vacuum blender for smoothies,
Tribest DynaPro blender for sauces,
and a Sana 727 juicer for making fresh flax seed oil.
I’m sorry to bother you, but I don’t know what to do since these items do have colors on the outside, and I don’t know about the screws. These are supposed to be “high end” equipment but now that I found your website I don’t trust companies anymore to tell the truth. What do you suggest I do? : (