Thousands Of Toddlers' Bottles, Cups Recalled Over Lead Poisoning Concerns

A company is recalling certain cups and bottles for toddlers because of an issue that poses lead poisoning concerns. Some 10,000 units are affected by the recall.

The recall affects Green Sprouts' Stainless Steel Straw Bottles, Sippy Cups and Sip & Straw Cups, as per the announcement on the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) website. The problem with the items is that the bottom base may break off. This exposes a soldering dot that contains lead, thereby posing a lead poisoning hazard.

Lead is a "cumulative toxicant" that is especially harmful to young children. There are various ways through which a person may get exposed to lead, from ingesting it to breathing it in, but "the health effects are the same," according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

As of the recall notice, the company has received seven reports of the base of the bottles breaking off, thus exposing the solder dot, the CPSC noted. There have been no reports of injuries.

"Had we been aware that a component containing lead in these products could become accessible, we wouldn't have put them on the market; now that we know, we are voluntarily recalling these products," the company said in its recall announcement. "There is negligible risk to the health and safety of users. We are undertaking the costs and challenges of this recall voluntarily because our customers' health and safety must come first."

The recall affects 6-ounce Stainless Steel Sippy Cups with tracking numbers 29218V06985 or 35719V06985. Also included in the recall are 6-ounce Stainless Steel Sip & Straw Cups with tracking number 33020V06985 and 8-ounce Stainless Steel Straw Bottles with tracking number 29218V06985 or 35719V06985.

The stainless steel bottles came in different colors such as pink, green, navy and aqua. They were sold at Buy Buy Baby and Whole Foods stores nationwide and online via various websites including Amazon and www.bedbathandbeyond.com.

In total, some 10,500 units of the bottles are included in the recall, according to the CPSC. Some bottles were also sold in the United Arab Emirates, Australia and Europe.

Those who find that they are in possession of recalled bottles and cups are being advised to take them away from children and discard them safely. However, customers are being encouraged to still use the plant-plastic and silicone lid components with other Green Sprouts bottles and cups.

They may contact the company through the form on the recall website to get a refund. Those with questions may also call them at 800-876-1574.

"As we approach the redesign of these products, whose benefits for keeping drinks cold safely have made them a popular choice for parents, we will ensure that lead is not used as a soldering material, no matter whether it would be accessible," the company said. "We are constantly learning and growing, and hope that you will continue to share in this process with us for the next 40 years — and beyond."