PENNSYLVANIA — The Pennsylvania Department of Health has issued a warning to parents and caregivers about the recall of several brands of children’s stainless steel bottles and cups due to excessive lead content. The products, marketed by PandaEar, LAOION, and Green Sprouts, have been recalled by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Acting Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen emphasized the potential harm posed by lead, especially to young children. “With a product that holds food or drink, like the recalled cups, there is an increased risk of lead getting from the product into the body,” she said. Dr. Bogen further underscored the need for routine screening of children for lead exposure in light of such recalls.
The recall includes PandaEar eight-ounce Stainless Steel Toddler Cups, LAOION eight-ounce Children’s Cups, and Green Sprouts six-ounce and eight-ounce Stainless Steel Straw Bottles, Sippy Cups, and Sip & Straw Cups. In addition to high lead levels, the lids of the PandaEar and LAOION cups can break during use, exposing children to sharp edges and small parts that present a cut and choking hazard.
These products were sold online on Amazon.com and in-store at Buy Buy Baby and Whole Foods nationwide. The PandaEar cups were sold from May to August 2023, the LAOION cups from March to May 2023, and the Green Sprouts items from January 2020 through September 2022.
The PandaEar cups were available in sets of two in pink and gray or blue and gray colors with matching silicone straws. The LAOION cups came in packs of four different colored cups – lilac, green, salmon, and blue – with matching silicone straws, spill-proof lids, and one straw brush. The Green Sprouts items had tracking numbers 29218V06985, 35719V06985, and 33020V06985.
The Department of Health urges parents and caregivers who may have used the recalled items to contact their child’s healthcare provider about getting a blood lead test. The department also maintains a toll-free lead information hotline (1-800-440-LEAD) and provides information about lead on its website.
In line with CDC recommendations, all young children should be tested for lead exposure at least once. Early identification of elevated lead levels can prevent severe effects, allowing all children to reach their full potential. This recall underscores the importance of such precautionary measures in ensuring children’s safety and health.
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